Sacramento Kings: 5 Story Lines To Follow Down The Stretch

2. How Many Minutes Does Harry Giles Get?

Another offseason decision that will have to be made will be the one of what to do with Harry Giles. Early in the season, the Kings made a very questionable decision when they declined the fourth-year option on Giles’ contract that would have kept him on the team for a price of less than $4 million per year.

At that point, Giles was completely out of the rotation, due in some part to a crowded front court. But there were likely other, unknown factors that kept him from getting any playing time. We might never know the hidden issues that the Kings’ front office and coaching staff has with Giles, but it is clear that they don’t think as highly of him as the fanbase does.

Injuries and trades have depleted Sacramento’s front line, which has given new life to Giles’ season as he is desperately needed in the regular rotation. He is still not given a huge amount of minutes, though. Since December 29th, he has averaged just 14 minutes per game and has received one DNP. In the 32 games before then, he averaged 7.4 minutes per game and received 25 DNPs.

The Kings coaching staff likely will have no other choice but to continue giving Giles minutes down the stretch, considering the possibility of season-ending injuries to both Marvin Bagley and Richaun Holmes. The Kings can still re-sign Giles after the season, but he might receive an offer than Sacramento won’t be able to match if he performs well in his still-limited minutes.

With the season essentially lost and Giles potential to sign elsewhere in the summer, rooting for him to succeed will be bitter-sweet for Kings fans.