California police investigating NBA star Josh Giddey for alleged relationship with underage girl

NEWPORT BEACH, Calif. -- Southern California police are looking into claims that Oklahoma City Thunder guard Josh Giddey had an improper relationship with an underage girl.

According to Newport Beach Police Sgt. Steve Oberon, the department recently received information about the alleged relationship involving the 21-year-old NBA star and a minor. He said detectives are currently looking into whether a crime occurred.

In a since-deleted post, an anonymous social media user said a girl who is seen with Giddey in videos and photographs was a high school junior at the time. The social media account has since been deactivated.

Giddey is an Australian who turned 21 in October.

"We're looking into it," Michael Bass, an NBA spokesman, said Friday.

Giddey had no comment when questioned Friday at practice.

"Yeah, I mean, I understand the question, obviously," he said. "But there's no further comment right now."

When asked again, he said: "I get the question guys. I completely understand you guys want to know about it. But just for right now, I don't have anything to say."

Thunder coach Mark Daigneault said it was a personal matter and he had no comment.

Giddey is averaging 12.3 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.5 assists for an Oklahoma City team that is off to an 11-4 start.

A first-round pick in 2021, Giddey was named to the All-Rookie second team that season. Last season, he averaged 16.6 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists. At the World Cup this summer, he averaged a team-high 19.4 points for an Australia team that went 3-2.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.