- Giddey is the starting point guard for Australia
- He is expected to be a key player at the Paris Olympics
- Goorjian will fly to the US next month to meet Giddey
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has sent a message to Josh Giddey to let the star basketball player know he is there to support him as he undergoes an NBA investigation.
The Boomers ace and Oklahoma City Thunder guard is under investigation following an allegation in a since-deleted anonymous social media post that he had an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.
Goorjian will travel to the United States next month to meet with Giddey and other Boomers playing in the NBA to lay the groundwork and refine preparations for next year’s Olympic Games in Paris.
Giddey is currently under investigation by the NBA but remains a key member of Australia’s Boomers side for the Paris Olympics
Boomers coach Brian Goorjian has contacted Giddey and will meet the OKC star in the United States next month
The Boomers will be hoping for a strong performance from Giddey in Paris after crashing out in the group stages of this year’s World Cup
Josh Giddey continues to play for the Oklahoma City Thunder while under NBA investigation.
Goorjian spoke about the Giddey situation on Monday at the Australian Schools Basketball Championships, where he is examining the next generation of talent.
He said the NBA investigation was “out of my wheelhouse” but confirmed he had reached out to the 21-year-old to offer support.
‘I haven’t spoken to him, I just sent him a message. I’m just letting that sink in, but we reached out to him and let him know we’re here for him,” Goorjian said.
“I’ll go there and meet him in person, but… that’s out of my control right now. I only hope the best for him.”
Despite being investigated by the NBA, Giddey continues to play for the Thunder and suit up for their loss to Philadelphia this weekend.
This was one of the images posted online currently under investigation by the NBA
Goorjian said his sole focus as coach of the Boomers was to let Giddey know he was a shoulder to lean on.
“He is a young man and you are part of his development. “I think we have a responsibility, and I do, to develop him as a person,” he said.
“If you’re in trouble or things aren’t going your way, or you’re having problems like other players do, just be open and let him know you’re there for him.
“Right now, this is in a box outside of my wheelhouse, but if he needed someone to talk to or support, I just wanted to let him know I’m here for him.”
Goorjian added that it was ‘fantastic’ that Giddey played against the Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday morning (AEDT) despite the NBA investigation.