The NBL confirmed the news on Monday, with Giddey also tweeting out his thanks to the Adelaide 36ers, who remain in playoff contention largely due to the efforts of the 18-year-old in what has been a very impressive debut season.
Giddey finishes the NBL campaign with averages of 10.86 points, 7.68 assists and 7.32 rebounds per game through 28 appearances for the 36ers, showcasing a well-rounded skillset highlighted by his recent form as he racked up three triple-doubles in his final six games.
With the NBA draft set to take place on July 30th (AEST), Giddey's performances in Australia have his stock rising in the United States, with media outlets projecting him to be selected in the top 15 picks of the first round and scouts enduring two-week quarantines to watch him play.
Giddey was full of gratitude for all those involved in his NBL journey, recognising the Australian league as a springboard for what seems to be inevitable international success.
"I'm just very, very thankful to Jeff, Grant, [head coach] Conner Henry, [assistant coach] Jamie Pearlman, my teammates, and everyone in the 36ers organisation for allowing me to come in as an 18-year-old and play the sort of role I did on our team," Giddey told ESPN.
"I could never repay the club for what they've done for me and, without them, I wouldn't be where I'm at today, so I give all of the credit to Adelaide for putting me in this position and allowing me to be successful."
Giddey revealed he plans to remain at home for a short while before heading to the US, with international duty potentially on the horizon following the event.
"I'll work out in Melbourne for a little bit; spend time with my friends and family before I head to the States at the end of June," Giddey said.
"Then, I'll get prepared for the Boomers camp and we'll see what happens from there, whether it's Tokyo or something else."
NBL Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger congratulated Giddey on his impressive season as he wished him well ahead of the draft.
“Josh, the Club and the NBL have made the collective decision that it’s in his best interests to finish his season now and start preparing for the NBA Draft and he leaves with our best wishes for what will be a very exciting career ahead of him," Loeliger said in a statement issued on Monday.
"His workload in his rookie season has been immense and given how quickly the NBA Draft is approaching, we are all supportive of Josh taking the opportunity to refresh and prepare for the workouts ahead of him.
“At just 18, he has demonstrated that he is an incredible talent and it’s not surprising that most experts are predicting he will be a first round draft pick.
"He became the youngest Australian to record a triple double in the NBL and has impressed everyone with his maturity on and off the court. He is not just a fantastic young basketballer but a terrific young man and he will be a great ambassador for Australia on the international stage.
“Josh will become the latest NBL Next Star to join the NBA after LaMelo Ball, RJ Hampton, Brian Bowen Jr and Didi Louzada and there’s no doubt his season in the NBL has helped develop his game and prepare him for the next stage of his career."
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