Harry Giles (PF/C, SAC) - Week 21 Waiver Wire Pickups

Harry Giles is a worthy consideration as a fantasy basketball waiver wire pickup if he's still available as a free agent in your league, heading into Week 21 of the NBA season. Justin Carter recommends Giles for his efficiency and his increased role with Marvin Bagley sidelined.

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ANALYSIS: With Marvin Bagley out for a week or two with a knee sprain, the opportunity is here for rookie center Harry Giles to assert himself in the Kings lineup.

I was extremely on the Harry Giles hype train after Summer League, but so far he's playing just 13.3 minutes per game and hasn't looked like the impact player that I thought he'd be. Giles hasn't developed as a shot blocker, but his 14.3 rebound percentage is an encouraging sign that he can at least develop into a good rebounder on the defensive end. His 10 rebounds per 36 minutes rank fourth on the team.

Giles has now played 15 (or, technically, 14:43) minutes or more in five straight games, and over that span he's averaging 10.4 points and 6.6 boards per game while shooting 57.5 percent from the floor. He's scored in double-digits in the past two games, including an 18-point, seven-rebound performance in a one-point loss to Milwaukee.

The Kings are still in the playoff hunt, so expect Giles to slide back into the backseat once Bagley returns, but there are signs here that he can be a short-term streaming option in deeper leagues. He's flashed his scoring ability over the last couple of games, so owners who are in need of production in points could use Giles to fill their streaming spot for the next few games. He's also shown good-enough touch around the rim to suggest that he'll help out with field goal percentage, and while his rebounding isn't great for a big man and his ability to block shots seems to have vanished, there are still valid reasons to pick Giles up and play him right now.