The debate surrounding Josh Giddey’s role on the Oklahoma City Thunder has reached a boiling point. Drafted as a tall, playmaking guard, Giddey has been tasked with running the offense alongside superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But as his third season unfolds, it’s becoming increasingly clear: Giddey isn’t a true point guard—he’s a power forward playing out of position.
At 6’8″, Giddey has the size and strength to thrive in the frontcourt. His court vision and passing are elite for his size, but his lack of quickness and an inconsistent perimeter shot make him a liability as a primary ball handler. Opposing defenses often sag off him, daring him to shoot, which disrupts OKC’s spacing and flow. Meanwhile, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has shouldered most of the playmaking duties, leaving Giddey’s role in the backcourt murky at best.
Where Giddey shines is in transition and mismatches against smaller defenders. His rebounding ability and knack for finding open teammates make him an ideal playmaking forward in today’s positionless NBA. Giddey’s skillset is better suited for a role similar to Draymond Green’s in Golden State—a hybrid forward who facilitates offense from the post or elbow rather than dominating the ball on the perimeter.
By shifting Giddey to a power forward role, the Thunder could unlock a more dynamic and efficient lineup. Players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams are already proving to be versatile options, and Giddey’s passing could create even more opportunities for OKC’s young core.
It’s time for the Thunder to embrace Giddey’s natural position and redefine his role. Doing so could elevate both Giddey’s game and OKC’s ceiling as a rising force in the Western Conference.
