A Royal Pain
Fansided

Sacramento Kings: 3 Players Who Need To Step Up During Bagley’s Absence

By Rafe Wong

SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 26: The Sacramento Kings bench reacts during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 26, 2018 at 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA - OCTOBER 26: The Sacramento Kings bench reacts during the game against the Washington Wizards on October 26, 2018 at 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 1: Harry Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 1, 2018 at 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images)
SACRAMENTO, CA – DECEMBER 1: Harry Giles #20 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers on December 1, 2018 at 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 Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Player #1: Harry Giles

Harry Giles has been a big headscratcher for the Kings this season. He was arguably the best player for them during preseason play, but here we are 35 games into the season and he is out of Dave Joerger’s rotation. He even has spent time with the Stockton Kings, Kings’ G-League affiliate, to make sure he is getting his reps in and confidence up.

Sacramento Kings forward Harry Giles (20) loses the ball against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings forward Harry Giles (20) loses the ball against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Nov. 25, 2018 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty Images) /

Even though Giles’ rookie campaign has been disappointing, he has a chance now to turn it around with Bagley being out.

The problem with Giles as of late has not been his skill set. Right now, the game is just too fast for the 20-year old, which is understandable. When Giles is on the court, it seems like he is overwhelmed by the muscle and speed of the NBA, and as a result, he has played out of control which has resulted in him being outmatched by his opponents and being in early foul trouble.

Giles has all the tools to become a good player for the Kings. Offensively, he is versatile as he can score in and out of the paint, can dish the ball to anyone in almost any spot, and has good on-the-court awareness. Defensively, he is a pit bull as his athleticism, basketball IQ, and physicality give him the potential to be a lockdown defender down the road.

Related Story. Reasons To Be Patient With Harry Giles. light

I hope Coach Joerger gives Giles stable playing time with Bagley being out. It would give Harry a good stretch of games where he can be on the court constantly which can result in him getting used to the tempo of the game. I firmly believe once the game starts to slow down for him is when Kings fans will start to see Giles really soar. And when that time comes, opponents are going to have nightmares when they prep against the Kings.

Home/Kings News