The Kings will shut down rookie center Harry Giles for the rest of the season, according to James Ham of NBC Sports California, who reports that Giles won’t make his NBA debut in 2017/18. The club has confirmed the news, announcing its decision in an official press release.
According to the Kings’ announcement, Giles is “entirely healthy” and hasn’t experienced any setbacks as he continues to work his way back from multiple ACL injuries. However, citing scientific research into ACL rehabilitation, the Kings say that they’ve decided the 2017 first-rounder will focus on “more vigorous practice activity and individual workouts” rather than appearing in any games this season.
As Ham notes, Giles, who is still just 19 years old, is one of just six players in the history of the NBA to attempt to return to the court after tearing his ACLs in both knees. The Kings, who were already incorporating several rookies into their lineup this season, including De’Aaron Fox and Bogdan Bogdanovic, recognized that they could afford to be patient with Giles, initially ruling him out until sometime in 2018 back in October.
The Kings are now targeting 2018 Summer League for Giles’ official pro debut. While the former Duke Blue Devil badly wants to get on the court this season, he tells Sean Cunningham of ABC10 in Sacramento (Twitter link) that he’s on board with the organization’s plan for him.
Hope he gets healthy and stays healthy best of luck bro
Loved him at Duke. Wish him nothing but the best.
AKA we are tied for the worst NBA record and we can’t add talent right now.
I personally don’t really like this move. Why not let him play and develop? No need to be this cautious, he can play on a minutes restriction. I hope it works out for the kid tho, very talented and could be a really good players.
The kid tore the ACL’s in both knees. He’s only 19. He has a 15+ years of basketball ahead of him if his knees hold up. I think this is a smart move. A move that best for him, and the team. I’m happy to see a team taking the long term approach with such a young player. I hope he’s able to build up strength in both those knees and have a long productive career.