Sacramento Kings: 3 players with something to prove in Orlando

2. Harry Giles

Harry Giles could become a victim of an overcrowded frontcourt, and there is a chance that we have seen the last of him in a Sacramento Kings uniform.

If you haven’t heard the story by now, the Kings inexplicably declined the option on Giles’ rookie contract, making it extremely difficult to re-acquire him this coming offseason. Instead of picking up a tab of less than $4 million for an undeveloped player with immense offensive talent that you just spent the last three years rehabbing, Sacramento will likely be forced to watch him walk in free agency.

The decision by the Kings to decline Giles’ option is another on a laundry list of questionable choices made by the Kings’ front office in recent (and extended) memory. He has become a fan favorite not only for his on-court effort and energy but for his love for and connection with the Kings fan base.

While it is easy to fault the front office for their odd decision, they may have some behind the scenes reasons for declining Giles’ option. There have been rumors about his offseason work ethic, and there will always be questions surrounding the health of his knees and legs.

There is also the issue of his poor performance on the defensive end of the floor. The Kings are at their worst on defense when Giles is on the floor, and he ranks in the bottom three percent in opponent field goal percentage around the basket.

So perhaps this is the area in which Giles needs to prove himself most. If he is able to elevate his defensive presence as well as the team’s, then the Kings could have a secret weapon off of the bench should they luck into a playoff berth.

Unfortunately for all parties involved, any improvement or “proving” that Giles does will likely be all for naught. Instead, it will likely be an audition for a team that is willing to pay him more than $4 million per year.