'Going to be special': Childhood friends Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels set to make NBA history

NEW ORLEANS — Josh Giddey and Dyson Daniels go way back.

Back to when they were mischievous kids throwing eggs at an Easter Bunny that was riding a firetruck through an RV Park in Geelong, Australia.

True story.

“It was a long time ago,” Giddey said with a laugh.

At 7 p.m. Monday, the longtime friends from southeastern Australia will reunite in New Orleans — Giddey and the Thunder against Daniels and the Pelicans. If both play, it will mark the first time teammates from the same NBA Academy will play against each other in an NBA game.

Giddey and Daniels — who attended the NBA Global Academy in Canberra, Australia — and Pacers rookie Bennedict Mathurin are the only three NBA Academy alumni in the league. Launched in 2016, there are four NBA academies in the world: one in Australia, India, Senegal and Mexico.

Oklahoma City selected Giddey with the No. 6 pick in the 2021 NBA Draft and New Orleans took Daniels with the No. 8 pick this past summer. The 6-foot-8 point guards are less than a year apart. Giddey recently turned 20 and Daniels is 19.

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When they were in the fifth and sixth grade, Daniels and Giddey played on a state team together. They finished runners-up in a national tournament, and Daniels was named MVP despite being a year younger than everybody.

“I knew he was gonna be special,” Giddey said.

Daniels has played in 11 games as a rookie. He’s averaging 4.7 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.

Giddey is averaging 14.8 points, 7.2 rebounds and 5.8 assists per game in his sophomore season.

We caught up with Giddey before the Thunder’s game against the Pelicans.

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Is this matchup against Dyson one you’ve been looking forward to?

Giddey: “This is going to be special. Two Australian, Victorian kids playing against each other in the NBA. I know a lot of people back home will be watching it. I’m excited for it. It’s been awesome to see his progression, and I’m looking forward to playing against him. We’ve had a lot to do with each other over the last 10 years.”

The Thunder had the No. 2 and No. 12 picks. Dyson went between those at No. 8. Were you hopeful on draft night?

Giddey: “Oh yes. It would’ve been great to play with him, obviously. I knew his range was similar to what mine was. But yeah, I was hoping he’d slip a little bit lower. I knew two was probably a bit high and 12 was too low.”

Did you give him any advice about NBA life?

Giddey: “We definitely spoke. We’ve got the same agent. Through the pre-draft process I was talking a lot with Dyson, just helping him, telling him what to prepare for and what to expect. Your life’s gonna change that night in Brooklyn when you hear your name called. I just told him to be prepared for a lot to change, but he handles it well.”

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Describe his game, because there are a couple of similarities with your size and passing ability.

Giddey: “He’s a big point guard. He loves passing the ball. But I think he’s gonna make his niche on the other end. He’s an elite defender — great hands, length, disruptive on the ball. I think you’ve already seen it. When he plays he’s been put on the primary ball handler. He’s got a bright future.

I’m looking forward to playing against him, but more importantly with him when we put on the Australian jersey.”

He’s in a different situation than you were in as a rookie from a team context. How do you think he’s handling it?

Giddey: “Usually when you’re picked that high you’re coming into a rebuilding team, and he’s coming into a legit playoff team. He’s a smart kid and he’s gonna earn his minutes. I think it’s a good thing for him, to be able to learn from guys like Brandon Ingram, Zion Williamson, CJ McCollum. He’s got great people around him. Every time I speak to him he’s happy. He loves it.”

This is a featured game for the NBA Global Academy. Is that a point of pride for you?

Giddey: “It is for sure. Being the first guys from the academy to play in the NBA, it’s special. It’s also a testament to the academy and the way they develop players … You’ve got Benn Mathurin with Indiana, Dyson, so guys are coming through that pipeline and it’s shown to be a legit pathway to the NBA.”

Thunder at Pelicans

TIPOFF: 7 p.m. Monday at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans (Bally Sports Oklahoma)

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Thunder vs. Pelicans: Josh Giddey, Dyson Daniels will make NBA history