Portland Trail Blazers need to find room for Harry Giles
So far, the 2020-21 season hasn’t gone the way the Portland Trail Blazers and their fans thought it would. Harry Giles III may be the answer to some of their issues.
This season is off to a mixed start over the Portland Trail Blazers‘ first seven games (3-4) of the 2020-21 season. So far, they have played mostly playoff-bound teams and haven’t fared very well. They lost several contests by 15 points.
Some of the individual leaders in the big-time stat categories are not whom you’d think they would be.
- Points – CJ McCollum
- Rebounds – Enes Kanter
- Assists – Damian Lillard
- Steals – CJ McCollum
- Blocks – Jusuf Nurkic
While the names listed aren’t out of this world shockers, they are a bit surprising. McCollum is averaging more points-per-game than Dame. Kanter is averaging about 1.4 rebounds more than Nurkic. It won’t be shocking if Nurkic and Lillard move into the leaders in those categories. It also won’t be shocking if McCollum and Kanter stay in the lead.
It’s also not a big surprise to see that Harry Giles III is averaging 7.8 minutes per game. He’s been incredibly productive in his limited minutes. His “per 36 minutes: numbers are 15.1 points, 15.1 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game. He’s also fifth on the team Player Efficiency Rating, which puts him ahead of Nurkic and Carmelo Anthony.
No Zach-Attack
2020 gave the Blazers one last “gift.” Oft-injured forward Zach Collins recently underwent revision surgery on his left medial malleolus stress fracture. The former Gonzaga star is now out indefinitely. It’s terrible news for such a young player.
So, where does all of this leave Giles? Ironically, Giles was traded for Collins in 2017, on draft night. Now, Giles might be replacing Collins permanently in Rip City. Both players’ contracts are up after this year. After the Trail Blazers decided not to extend Collins’ contract earlier in December, he’ll be a restricted free agent. Talk about a bad month for Collins.
Portland can match any offer Collins receives. So, there is a possibility he stays with the Blazers. However, Giles can have something to say about that decision. The two play the same position and have a very similar skill set. Except, Collins shoots the three-pointer, and Giles has yet to show that ability.
HG3 has skills
HG3 has drawn comparisons to Chris Webber. A simple Google search of Harry Giles highlights will back up those comparisons. Giles is a terrific passer along with being a good shot blocker. Some fans have clamored that Giles should play over Kanter because of these abilities.
Having Giles in over Kanter will give the second unit a different look. Because of Giles’ passing ability, coach Terry Stotts can use Giles as a point forward. Thus, allowing Gary Trent Jr., Anfernee Simons, Rodney Hood, and Melo to focus a little more on scoring.
I’m not saying Giles should bring the ball up, or those other guys can jack up shots all willy-nilly. Just that they’ll have more passing on the court, and Giles will be able to manipulate the opposing defense from the high post.
When given the minutes, the near seven-footer from Duke has shown he’s an impact NBA player. With Kanter, Collins, Anthony, and Giles’ contracts all expiring in 2021, it will be wise to see how HG3 fits in before letting him walk in free agency. Add in that Nurkic’s contract expires in 2022, and extending Giles makes even more sense.
#FreeGiles
It would be a good idea for the Blazers to find some more minutes for Giles in the rotation sooner rather than later. This team is loaded with talent and depth. Maybe Giles in the second unit over Kanter is the move this team needs to get over the hump. Giles can pass as well as some guards. Portland had success in the past with a great passing big man, Arvydas Sabonis.
Portland needs to get HG3 on the floor more. The added ball-movement dimension Giles brings would open up the half-court so much more. I’m declaring myself as part of the hashtag #FreeGiles movement. Feel free to join me. 2021 is a new year, time to try something new.
Do you think the Portland Trail Blazers need to play Harry Giles III more? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.