Commissioner Adam Silver: NBA can’t suspend Thunder’s Josh Giddey on ‘allegation alone’

The NBA is looking into allegations made on social media that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey had an inappropriate relationship with a minor, league spokesman Mike Bass said Friday.

The league initiated the inquiry after posts were made by an anonymous user allegedly connecting Giddey, 21, to an underage female.

Giddey and Thunder coach Mark Daigneault declined to comment when asked at the Thunder’s media availability Friday.

“I understand the question obviously, but there’s no comment right now,” Giddey said.

The Thunder are 11-4, have won six consecutive games and are in second place in the Western Conference. They play the Philadelphia 76ers (10-5) Saturday in Oklahoma City.

Who is Josh Giddey?

Giddey is a third-year guard for the Thunder and averages 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists. He is one of the league’s top young do-it-all guards and emerged as a potential All-Star last season with 28 double-doubles and five triple-doubles while averaging 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists and shooting 48.2% from the field.

Alongside All-NBA guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the Thunder have one of the best young backcourts in the league.

The Thunder drafted Giddey with the No. 6 pick in the 2021 draft. Giddey was born in Melbourne, Australia and participated in the NBA’s Global Academy before playing for Adelaide in Australia’s pro league.

He was named to the NBA’s All-Rookie second team in 2021-2022.