Josh Giddey STARTS for the Thunder against the 76ers as Oklahoma City guard receives huge ovation despite NBA investigation into claims he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor

Josh Giddey lined up for the Oklahoma City Thunder against the Philadelphia 76ers despite allegations that he had an inappropriate relationship with a minor that are currently under investigation.

The NBA has launched an investigation into claims that Oklahoma City’s rising star had an inappropriate relationship with a minor after photos of him with a girl – including one in which she bragged about having sex with him – were recently posted on social media.

But despite the allegations leveled against him, Giddey has been cleared to play for the Thunder against the Sixers in Oklahoma on Saturday night, meaning he has returned to the court for the first time since the photos surfaced online.

Coach Mark Daigneault confirmed before the game: ‘[He is] available to play, will play. From a basketball perspective, there are no changes. So I have no further comment.’

Giddey was then named as one of the starters for the Thunder against the Sixers at Paycom Center – and he received a loud ovation when he was introduced to the home crowd during the ongoing investigation.

The NBA has launched an investigation into claims that Giddey had an inappropriate relationship with a minor after photos of him with a girl were recently posted on social media

In one of the photos, Giddey can be seen with his arm around her body and the caption “he says hey”

One of the images posted online shows the girl bragging about having sex with Giddey, who has become one of the Thunder’s most important players since being selected sixth overall in the 2021 NBA draft.

The photo – which shows a shirtless Giddey standing behind her – is captioned ‘just f***ed josh giddey’.

Another shows the Australian player with his arm around her body and the caption ‘he says hey’.

There is also a video of Giddey supposedly talking to the girl’s brother, saying: ‘I’m here with your beautiful sister.

‘Good luck with your season. I hear you’re heading to Sacramento for a game soon, so good luck. We’re coming up to see how you handle things.’

In another video, in which she appears to be standing in the background outside a nightclub, Giddey says: ‘What’s going on, my man? We’re at the front of the club, me and my girl, about to go back to mine.’

It remains unclear when and where the photos and videos were taken and how old the girl actually is.

Giddey was in the media for the first time since the investigation began on Friday, with the Oklahoma City star appearing for interviews with reporters after practice.

The Thunder star was asked about the allegations after practice on Friday but batted away the questions and declined comment

He was immediately asked about the allegations made against him, with one reporter noting: “Josh, you’ve gone viral in recent days for some pretty serious allegations. I know there’s nothing concrete about that, but can you talk about that situation?’

In response, he said, “Yes, I mean, I clearly understand the question, but there is no further comment at this time.”

One reporter then asked a question about the team’s defense, before a third reporter returned to the serious allegations and asked for a follow-up.

Giddey then responded: “I understand the question guys, I completely understand you wanting to know more about it, but at this point I have nothing to say.”