Doc Rivers is also a fan of Josh Giddey

Josh Giddey will have ended 2022 well, since in addition to having signed a very good month of December, with more than 15 points (49% in shooting, including 43.2% in 3-pointers), 9 rebounds and 5 assists on average , he has drawn the praise of two former point guards who have become NBA coaches, Chauncey Billups, a “sophomore” coach with Portland, and Doc Rivers, who has now officiated on the benches of the Big League for more than 23 years.

Chauncey Billups had opened the ball ten days ago by highlighting the contribution of the Australian on the sidelines of the meeting lost by the Blazers against the Thunder (13 points at 6/8 shooting, 6 rebounds, 6 assists).

” I really like. He has an incredible feeling. He plays the game very simply, when the guys are open he passes them, if there are two guys on a player he passes to the one who is open and he pushes the ball. He makes the game easy for him and everyone else. He always has his head held high when dribbling. He’s a big guy, so he knows how to get to his spots to shoot. He plays with a confidence that I really like, he always thinks about the game. I think he will be a great playmaker.”, had he launched.

In turn on Saturday evening, Doc Rivers was asked to speak about what he thought of the new Australian phenomenon. Like Chauncey Billups, the Sixers coach appreciates above all the basketball IQ of Josh Giddey.

“He has a game that has a lot of flair. He has great vision. I don’t necessarily want to make the comparison with Jason Williams, but he has that kind of vision. He sees things that others do not see. He will continue to progress, in his shots, his finishing near the circle. He has already clearly progressed”, he noted.

Talented and determined

Doc Rivers also highlighted the state of mind of the player, who wanted to participate in the last Summer League.

“I really like his attitude, especially the fact of having played in the Summer League. There were plenty of players in Vegas who sat in the stands without realizing the season he had produced. They were sitting dressed in street clothes, watching him play. I think it shows how determined he is to improve. I really thought it was cool”.

After the meeting at the end of which he finished his team’s best scorer and best rebounder, Josh Giddey admitted to being flattered by these compliments from two people “in the business”, incidentally former NBA champions, one as player, the other as a coach.

“It means a lot every time someone like Doc Rivers or Chauncey Billups compliments you. It really does something. They have seen a lot of things, they have seen everything, a lot of players have passed by their side. As a player, you always appreciate attention like this from those who have gone before you. It’s great to hear that.”he confided.