After a fantastic NBA Draft, the Sacramento Kings still have some vital decisions to make. One which is whether or not to send Harry Giles to the G-League.
Harry Giles was once the most heralded high school recruits in the nation. His offensive versatility, along with a high motor and defensive potential had scouts drooling over him. In the last three seasons, Giles has sustained multiple serious injuries to his lower extremities that ultimately caused him to fall all the way down to the 20th overall pick.
The Sacramento Kings decided to use their third first-round pick on a high-risk, high-reward prospect. Teams in Sacramento’s position in the early stages of a rebuild are looking to maximize value possible from their draft choices. Giles has the potential to become Anthony Davis, but could also have the career path of Greg Oden.
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After a fantastic draft, Vlade Divac stated in a post-draft interview that the staff had fallen in love with Giles’ game during his pre-draft workout with Sacramento. He’s a very humble and high-character young man who could be one of the best players out of this year’s draft class.
Send Giles to the G-League
With all that being said, Giles is nowhere near ready to play extended minutes in an NBA game. The Kings were in the same position last season with Skal Labissiere. A late first round selection who needs time to develop both physically and on the court. Giles could be the steal of the draft if he can reach his full potential. Giles’ stats in his one year at Duke are somewhat alarming. He had a real issue staying on the floor.
College Statistics
(via. Sports-Reference)
In the 2016-17 season, the Kings opted to send Labissiere, Malachi Richardson and Georgios Papagiannis down to the D-League to get in-game experience. This provided the young guns on-court time in a high-level game. All three rookies benefited greatly, especially Labissiere who is now looking like the steal of the 2016 NBA Draft.
Also, Sacramento has Labissiere and the newly acquired Zach Randolph at the four position. Giles playing as the third string will create a difficult time seeing consistent minutes. He needs minutes to continue his development.
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Giles has had a very minimal in-game sample size to truly make his game blossom. In Reno, Giles would be playing under coach Darrick Martin who runs similar sets to Dave Joerger. Giles would likely expand his all-around game to a new level. Playing in the G-League could allow Giles get a feel for the physicality and pace at the next level.