Kings: The Giles Decision Is Worse Than The Doncic One

Worse Than Passing On Doncic?! How?

How could it get worse than passing on a generational talent and future perennial MVP candidate that everyone around you knew was the right choice? How can a contract option on a guy whose medical future is questionable be worse than taking Bagley over Doncic?

It is because at the time, there was actually an argument for taking Bagley. Doncic was thought to be too ball dominant to thrive alongside De’Aaron Fox, and Bagley was no slouch of a prospect. He was widely thought to be one of the top talents in a deep draft, a decorated recruit who excelled in his one season as a Duke Blue Devil.

Sacramento drafted for fit. They wanted someone who could run alongside Fox, an insanely athletic big man who could keep true to the Kings identity of run-and-gun. We all wanted Doncic, but many of us talked ourselves in to believing in Marvin Bagley. We knew they made the wrong decision, but we were willing to see how things panned out before we panicked. (go ahead and panic if you haven’t already)

As for the Harry Giles situation, there is really no feasible explanation for not giving him an extension. Instead of having a promising piece (who loves this city, by the way) under team control at a good price, the Kings will likely be left with nothing but $3.9 million to throw at someone else. For a team that has question marks along the front line, having the security of a solid bench option is certainly worth more than $4 million.

The front office had to have known how we would react. Giles has become a fan favorite in Sacramento, and he is never shy about expressing his adoration for the fan base and the city itself. The Kings, who have to overpay free agents to come and play in their small market city, have a player on their roster who is wildly talented and loves the fans that he plays in front of, and they’re letting him go for no good reason at all.

The Bagley/Doncic draft pick has become a black eye this season, and it is likely only a matter of time before the Giles’ contract decline becomes a bruise for the other.

It was never about the being able to afford Bogdan Bogdanovic or some other free agent. The Kings could have made it work to afford both. Instead, we are left to watch Giles blossom before our eyes, only to likely be swooped up this summer by some other team who is willing to shell out a small amount of cash for a loveable player with high upside.

To the Hornets/Hawks: you’re welcome.