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Sacramento Kings: Grading Harry Giles’ Summer League

By Rafe Wong

LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: Sacramento Kings Center Harry Giles (20) looks on before an NBA game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 06, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JANUARY 13: Sacramento Kings Center Harry Giles (20) looks on before an NBA game between the Sacramento Kings and the Los Angeles Clippers on January 06, 2018 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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The Sacramento Kings and their fans finally got to see Harry Giles in action. But how encouraged should they be after his summer league performance?

After a year of anticipation and hype, Harry Giles finally stepped on the hardwood representing the Sacramento Kings. In the last month, Giles has appeared in the California Summer Classic and Las Vegas Summer League where he played a total of seven games.

Now that Giles has played in front of the Kings and their fans, what grade does he deserve for his efforts? Here is my analysis on the topic.

Offense Analysis

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 11: Harry Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 11, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 11: Harry Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League on July 11, 2018 at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /

In seven games, Giles averaged 10.1 points per game while shooting 44% from the floor, 25% from the perimeter, and 42.9% from the free-throw line.

Right now, Giles is not a guy who can consistently create his own shot as most of his scoring came from the assistance of his teammates. Also, Giles’ shooting percentages are below average considering his position.

However, the upside to Giles’ offense is that he showcased the potential of being a versatile scorer. There were flashes throughout this summer where he was able to beat his opponents whether it was posting up in the interior, shooting the midrange shot, or letting it go from beyond the arc. He also proved he has the ability to pass the ball and set up his teammates to score.

Overall, Giles was not as dominant on the offensive end as I expected, but he definitely showed flashes of his all-around potential.

Must Read: Evaluating Harry Giles first game as a King

Defense Analysis

I thought Giles’ defense was the most impressive aspect of his game. Every match he was aggressive and physical with his opponents which resulted in him being the Kings’ best defender in my mind.

Not only was Giles physical on the defensive end, but instinctual as well. There were countless times throughout his summer campaign where he made smart defensive plays, and as a result, he averaged 6.6 rebounds, 1.6 steals, and 0.6 blocks per contest.

LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Harry Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during his team’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Sam Wasson/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – JULY 10: Harry Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings stands on the court during his team’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2018 NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center on July 10, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. 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 Sam Wasson/Getty Images) /

Overall, Giles’ defense is what I felt excited Kings fans the most about him. He brought a presence on the defensive side of the ball that has been nonexistent within the Kings organization for a long time.

Final Thoughts / Overall Grade

I would say that Harry Giles had a solid summer league with the Kings. Although he did not dominate the competition like I thought he would, his performance proved that he will be a solid player for the Kings this upcoming year and maybe a prime asset down the road.

Offensively, Giles was able to prove he has the potential to score in a variety of ways. And as a defender, he brought a sense of nastiness and edge that could possibly be contagious towards his teammates.

Must Read: Harry Giles: A Player Against All Odds

Although I believe that the Kings as a collective group were disappointing this summer, Giles was definitely a bright spot I took away from this summer league. In my opinion, it is good to know that the Kings will have another young asset on their squad for their 2018-2019 campaign.

Grade: B

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