Adelaide 36ers point guard Josh Giddey today officially declared he will nominate for the 2021 NBA Draft.
The teenager, originally from Melbourne, has played 23 games for the Sixers this season after opting against college basketball in the United States.
He said he wanted to get a head start against the bigger bodies of the NBL instead.
"Being able to stay home in front of friends and family, play in a grown man's league against bigger guys, older guys, being able to learn off veterans every day, I think it was going to benefit me more in the long run," Giddey said.
"I'm pretty confident going into this draft that I'm going to be taken somewhere and that's kind of what led me to make the decision to declare."
He has been tipped to be taken as early as pick 13 in the draft, but with eight games left in the NBL season, experts predict he could climb even higher.
Adding to his credentials, Giddey made history earlier this week when he became the youngest Australian player to record a triple-double in the NBL.
He finished with 12 points, 10 assists and 10 rebounds in the Sixers' loss to New Zealand in Tasmania on Monday.
Those close to him see similarities with the game-style of Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic.
Giddey's management has confirmed all 30 NBA teams have expressed interest in the teenager, who has been touted as a once-in-a-generation player.
"He's the hottest name in international basketball for this upcoming draft so, plenty of interest [in him].
"I am soon going to need a new telephone because it's been melting as of late, but this is what we expect."
The 2021 NBA Draft will be held in July this year.
