Harry Giles’ potential NBA free agency landing spot No. 3: Toronto Raptors
Imagine a frontcourt combo of Pascal Siakam and Harry Giles. In a day in age where big men have been relied upon less, especially multiple big man lineups this could be a scary experiment. Masai Ujiri has always been a smart forward-thinking executive and adding Giles would be wise for his team and the future.
Head coach Nick Nurse has shown that he is one of the best coaches in the league and he could make a frontcourt of Siakam and Giles work. Giles would come in and fill some of the voids from centers Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka if they end up leaving as well. Then, he would be able to operate the paint and allow Siakam to space the floor.
Giles in Toronto would continue to boost the pace the Raptors play with as well. He can continue to develop through one of the best staffs in the league and potentially become a devastating roll man and screener.
The versatility is something that truly stands out. Having both Siakam and Giles means that there’s two different pick-and-roll combos Toronto’s talented group of guards could go to. Both Siakam and Giles would offer different options of pick-and-roll plays, and that would make the team a difficult one for opposing defenses to prepare for.
When Giles has the ball in the post in Toronto, he would also have plenty of passing options for shooters. Players like Kyle Lowry, Norman Powell, and OG Annuoby would benefit from getting dishes out on the perimeter.
In terms of health too, Toronto should feel confident in managing Giles given the job that the staff did for Kawhi Leonard last year. Strategically giving him rest, and building him up to the most important time of the season.