India, we have a problem.
As the Kings prepared for their Monday evening flight that will take them to London and then Mumbai, India, it was announced that two players would stay back in Sacramento.
According to the team, second-year big man Harry Giles is having issues with knee soreness in his surgically repaired left knee. He will stay back in Sacramento with point guard Tyler Ulis (right groin strain) and continue his preparation for the upcoming season.
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Head coach Luke Walton mentioned that the team was monitoring Giles following Sunday’s training camp media session, but his absence from the team’s trip across the globe was not discussed.
Giles is no stranger to knee issues. The 21-year-old center underwent reconstructive surgery on both ACLs during his prep career and he needed a cleanup procedure on his left knee during his time at Duke University.
The Kings added depth at the center position in Dewayne Dedmon and Richaun Holmes over the summer. Giles is in competition for minutes at the five and there is no word yet on what this latest setback means for the upcoming season.
Giles averaged seven points, 3.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in 14.1 minutes during his rookie season with the Kings. He has incredible basketball instincts, but he missed most of three seasons before suiting up for 58 games for Sacramento last season.
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Ulis signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Kings late last week. The 5-foot-10 point guard struggled with hip issues last season and it’s not surprising that he’s having groin issues as he plays himself back into game shape.
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While he is competing for a final roster spot with the Kings, it is likely that Ulis will spend time developing in the G League this season with the Kings’ affiliate in Stockton.
Looking at the situation with a long lens, a six-day trip to India is not exactly the best thing for the health of either player. The Kings have a medical staff that is staying back in Sacramento and will continue to rehab both Giles and Ulis.