The 2021 NBA Draft has come to a close. After a highly anticipated night, teams made their picks for the next season. Many people debated as to whom the owners of the 6th overall pick, Oklahoma City Thunder would draft.

After all the suspense, the Thunder chose an international sensation from Melbourne, who idolizes Luka Doncic of the Dallas Mavericks.

Australia’s Josh Giddey drafted by Oklahoma

Point-guards have been the talk of the town over the past few days. As expected, the Detroit Pistons picked the young Cade Cunningham as their No.1 draft. After a talented set of players were snatched by the next teams in line, Thunder had to go big. And they went bigger than ever, choosing the strong attacker Josh Giddey of the Adelaide 36ers.

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The tall Aussie left onlookers in awe of his skill in the past season. Only 18 years of age at the moment, Giddey turned down multiple offers from the NCAA 1st Division programs. The youngster averaged 11 points and over 7 rebounds in the National Basketball League this past season. He even won the league’s Rookie of the Year prize.

Giddey already has an international gold medal to his name in the U-17 category and has a bright future ahead of him.

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Giddey’s unabashed love for Luka Doncic

It is common for youngsters to draw inspiration from senior stars in the league. For Josh Giddey, Dallas Mavericks‘ Luka Doncic is the man he looks up to. After his historic draft to Oklahoma, the Australian spoke about his fanboy moments in the past with regard to the Slovenian superstar.

Asked about his favorite player in the post-draft interview, Giddey claimed, “It would be Luka Doncic. He was a guy I watched right when he entered the league. I was probably 15 or 14 years old, and I was a huge fan of his from day one.”

“He’s a bigger guy, pass first, came through a professional pathway college route same way I did. And he was just someone I loved to watch and you know, still do to this day.”

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Taking inspiration from the great Luka Doncic himself, Josh Giddey will work towards achieving a great rookie season with the Thunder. If his NBL performances are anything to go by, he will be a gigantic asset to his side in the 2021-22 season.