Adam Silver has addressed the ongoing situation involving Oklahoma City Thunder’s star player, Josh Giddey, who continues to play amid investigations into his alleged involvement in an inappropriate relationship with an underage girl.
The NBA commissioner stated that the league is handling the matter in accordance with its approach to legal situations.
Silver’s explanation
The investigation, initiated by the NBA and Newport Beach Police, was prompted by social media posts depicting Giddey with a young female, leading to allegations of misconduct.
Despite acknowledging the posts, the NBA has not taken any action against Giddey.
“I can’t think of many circumstances where we’ve suspended a player based on an allegation alone,” Silver told ESPN’s NBA Today on Friday.
“In this case, so we have an allegation, and then you have a police investigation and then a parallel league investigation.
“I also add that, where there is a criminal investigation, we take a back seat… that impacts how the players and players association can work with us because, of course, the player needs to protect his rights.
“I’m not going to say never ever, but I think this is the path we’ve consistently followed in the past.”
Thunder head coach, Mark Daigneault, has refrained from commenting on the off-court issue. Giddey has maintained his on-court performance, averaging 12.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 4.8 assists in 20 games this season.
The player was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 NBA draft. The U.S. Sun’s attempts to reach Giddey for comment have been unsuccessful.