Former Kings big Giles thanks team in long, heartfelt post

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In the summer of 2017, the Kings took a gamble on Duke Blue Devils big man Harry Giles when they acquired him in a draft-night trade with the Portland Trail Blazers.

Giles didn't play the entire 2017-18 season as he rehabbed knee injuries. But once he got on the court in Sacramento, Kings fans quickly fell in love with him.

And the feeling was mutual. Giles loved his time in Sacramento. A few days after signing a one-year contract with the Blazers in free agency, the 22-year-old posted a lengthy "Thank you" message to the Kings on Twitter.

Giles made a point to thank Kings management, likely referring to former general manager Vlade Divac and his staff. While Divac brought Giles to Sacramento, he declined to pick up Giles' fourth-year option last year, making him an unrestricted free agent.

"I personally want to Thank Management for giving me the extended time I needed when I first was drafted and helping me get to a point where I fully was myself," Giles wrote.

Giles showed flashes of his potential when he finally debuted for the Kings during the 2018-19 season. In 58 games during his rookie season, Giles averaged 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14.1 minutes. Last season, he played in 46 games (17 starts) and averaged 6.9 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14.5 minutes.

Giles has immense potential. He was a top recruit coming out of high school in North Carolina, and he could have been a top-five draft pick if not for serious knee injuries.

The next chapter in Giles' career will take him back to the Blazers, who drafted him before trading him to the Kings.

RELATED: Divac was teaching Giles a lesson by declining option

But it's clear from his post that Giles won't forget his three years in Sacramento.

"Memories and Moments that’ll live on forever," Giles wrote. "Thank you for allowing me to be myself and accepting me. I enjoyed every part of watching myself grow into who I am today.  Mind full of knowledge."

Whenever fans are allowed back into Golden 1 Center, and Giles returns as a visitor, he will get a huge ovation from the crowd in Sacramento.

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