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Sacramento Kings rookie Harry Giles sidelined until January

By Tyler Watts

GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Harry Giles of the Sacramento Kings poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
GREENBURGH, NY - AUGUST 11: (EDITORS NOTE: Image has been digitally altered) Harry Giles of the Sacramento Kings poses for a portrait during the 2017 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot at MSG Training Center on August 11, 2017 in Greenburgh, New York. 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. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings have decided to sit out rookie Harry Giles until at least January.  This article details that news and what it could mean for Giles going forward.

The Sacramento Kings announced on Oct. 6 that rookie Harry Giles would be held out of action until at least January to improve his overall health.  The news was a bit shocking, but not entirely out of left field.  I have previously discussed his injury history at length including his repeated knee injuries.

Today, we will discuss what is odd about this announcement, and then move into my opinion on the topic including what I think this means for Giles career.  I will finish up with a few final thoughts.  Without further ado, let us roll right into it.

Giles is healthy?

Harry Giles has repeatedly stated he is healthy.  Do not believe me?  Listen for yourself to his media day interview courtesy of Cowbell Kingdom.

Jason Jones of the Sacramento Bee wrote a great piece about this topic today that includes plenty of quotes from Giles.  You should check it out.

Everyone involved appears onboard with this plan.  Hopefully, it allows Giles to return to full health and regain some of the athleticism we did not see when he played for Duke last season.

I wrote a feature on Harry Giles’ three goals for the season last week which you can read here.  Goal number two appears to have hit the trash heap already, but I hope when he returns, he can still accomplish the other two goals.

Related Story: Must watch Kings games of the regular season

My take

The Kings have the luxury of sitting out Harry Giles the entire season if they desire.  We have discussed the crowded frontcourt situation plenty.  Giles would have seen most of his action in the G-League this year even at full health.

The organization is doing the right thing in taking the long-term approach with Giles.  Even with him, the Kings are not contending for a championship this season or making the playoffs in a loaded Western Conference.  Now in two or three years, when De’Aaron Fox has blossomed into a feared NBA point guard, and Bogdan Bogdanovic is one of the top 3-and-D players in the league, they need a healthy Giles to man the frontcourt.  If taking off a few months from the court and just focusing on strengthening and rehabilitating his knees makes the knee issues go away, then this is one hundred percent the proper course of action.

My worry

The most prominent concern is that Giles can never shake off the knee injuries and his career is over before it gets going.  Nobody is rooting for that outcome, but there has to be some percentage chance that is the reality at this moment.  Hopefully, the three months off helps, but if he has a future knee issue, I will be beyond concerned.  Stay tuned for more information on Harry Giles health at a later date.

Final thoughts

Unfortunately, rookie 20 overall pick Harry Giles’ knee issues will keep him out until at least when the calendar turns to 2018.  We knew he had an extensive injury history on draft night and that is the only reason he fell to pick 20, but this not the way you want to see any player’s NBA career kick off.  Hopefully, Giles stays healthy, get his strength up, and we see him on the court at some point this season.

Remember, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid missed his first two full seasons with injuries before coming out last season with a bang.  Sixers fans are beaming with excitement about Embiid today, so there is still hope for Harry Giles’ career.  Only time will tell if he can turn his talent into production on the court.

Next: Kings projected depth chart for the coming season

A Royal Pain is the place for all things Sacramento Kings this season.  We will be covering all the news.  Plus, a plethora of content on each game and all the player profiles you desire.  Please check back with us often.  Thank you for reading.

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