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Depth Chart Prediction: Harry Giles

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - JUNE 24: The Sacramento Kings 2017 Draft Pick Harry Giles speaks with the media on June 24, 2017 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - JUNE 24: The Sacramento Kings 2017 Draft Pick Harry Giles speaks with the media on June 24, 2017 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Recent first round draft pick, Harry Giles, will begin his NBA career in a couple of months. What type of role should Kings fans expect him to play for their team this upcoming season?

A Royal Pain will start a new series where we predict the type of roles each player on the Kings’ roster will play in this upcoming year. The first player we will analyze is Harry Giles who the Kings recently selected in the first round of the NBA draft.

Path To Current Minutes

Due to Giles’ past knee troubles, the Kings seem extra cautious with him to make sure he is completely healthy. They showed this type of behavior during summer league when they refused to give the former Blue Devil any playing time on the court.

DURHAM, NC – OCTOBER 01: Harry Giles
DURHAM, NC – OCTOBER 01: Harry Giles /

Don’t be surprised if Giles spends a majority of the season with the Reno Bighorns, the Kings’ G-League affiliate. This direction will give Giles the opportunity to continue gaining strength in his knees while getting run time with competition that isn’t as difficult compared to the NBA.

With this approach, Giles could develop a gradual level of improvement and confidence which will do him well when he is called upon by the Kings.

If Giles does get the chance to join the Kings, and I think he will, I expect him to play a minimal role with the team. The current power forwards on the Kings’ roster are Giles, Skal Labissiere, and Zach Randolph. I expect Labissiere and Randolph to take on most of the minutes at the position. The only times I envision Giles stepping on the NBA hardwood in his rookie year are during garbage time, when someone gets injured, or if the Kings are auditioning their young players in the later stages of the season.

Way To Increase Minutes

The obvious way for Giles to earn more minutes is to play better. If he is able to dominate with the Bighorns and outplay his Kings’ teammates during practice, Giles could definitely earn a spot as a rotation player as the season goes on. Malachi Richardson proved this notion last season.

Another way for Giles to gain minutes is if a player at his position faces an unfortunate injury. It would suck to have either Skal or Z-Bo be sidelined because of health, but it would give Giles the chance to prove himself at the NBA level, and if he shows he is capable, more minutes could come his way.

Must Read: Sacramento Kings' Projected Starters

Final Thoughts

Obviously, I don’t expect Giles to make a major impact in his rookie season. Based on the Kings’ past actions towards Giles, the main focus is his health. Giles is an extraordinary talent who has the potential to be an impactful player for any NBA team, but it will be impossible to showcase his talents if he is unhealthy.

Letting Giles spend this season gaining health and confidence in the G-League seems to be the approach the Kings are taking with him, and to be honest, this isn’t a bad play. For Giles, his NBA journey is a marathon, not a sprint.

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