NBA Notes: Thunder, Josh Giddey, Pacers, Nets

Thunder

Former NBA center and one-time No. 1 overall pick Andrew Bogut thinks Thunder point guard Josh Giddey will set a new standard for Australians in the pros.

Bogut, of course, is an Aussie himself.

He’s been great. Josh was labeled as not athletic and not fast enough; ‘What is he, a one or a two?’ He’s a basketball player. He just knows how to play. His development has been sensational,” Bogut told Christos Tsaltas of Sportal. “He’s always had the ability to rebound and pass. I think the scoring was the biggest question and he’s proven he can get to the paint.

“His 3-point shot is getting better and better. He’s putting a lot of work into his 3-point shot this season again. He’s still not where he wants to be, but he’s getting better, better and better. I’m excited. He’s going to be the greatest Australian player to play in the NBA.”

Bogut wasn’t finished.

“He’s gonna break a lot of records for Australian players with points, rebounds, assists and all those things,” The told Tsaltas I’m also excited for him and OKC. I think OKC has a very young and talented team that I think in a year or two, is gonna be one of the teams to beat in the Western Conference — especially when they go out and sign maybe another star or another veteran that can come and help. I think they have a chance to be very good.”

• NBA Draft Room currently has the Thunder taking South Carolina power forward Gregory Jackson with the No. 12 pick. “Jackson is the youngest prospect in this class,” the post reads. “He’s an ultra-talented shot-maker who has some holes in his game but has plenty of time to figure it all out.”

Pacers

G League Ignite forward Leonard Miller met with nine teams ahead of the draft, including the Pacers on Friday.

Indiana has five picks, and while they won’t pick Miller at No. 7, they could potentially nab him later. If not Indy, then someone.

“I feel like what I’ve done with Ignite fits modern basketball. On the court, I can pass, dribble, and shoot. I feel like that’s what you need to do,” Miller said, via Tony East of SI.com. “I’m just a hooper. I just go out there and I have a good feel for the game. And also I can defend. I’m versatile on the defensive end with my length and everything, that also helps with the game right now.”

• The Pacers have already begun preparations for the 2024 NBA All-Star Game, as detailed by Scott Agness of Fieldhouse Files.

Nets

• The Nets have three draft picks and could move one in search of a proven scorer or rebounder, a source told Brian Lewis of the New York Post. Brooklyn’s picks specifically — Nos. 21 and 22 of the first round, and No. 51 overall in the second.