Does Harry Giles Make Sense for the Nets?
By Josh Rudy
After being considered a consensus top-three pick in the 2017 NBA Draft prior to his freshman season at Duke, Harry Giles has become one of the biggest mysteries of all eligible draft prospects. The Brooklyn Nets may be better off looking elsewhere.
Harry Giles, the 19 year-old center from Winston-Salem, North Carolina, was once viewed as a dream prospect by many teams around the league. His length, motor, and athleticism grabbed the attention of scouts, including those from the Brooklyn Nets, from the jump.
Prior to his arrival at Duke, Giles dominated the high school competition and secured the honor of being named the top recruit in the class of 2016 by ESPN.
However, during his brief time playing under Coach Mike Krzyzewski at Duke, Giles posted extremely sub-par statistics. In his lone year, he averaged 11.5 minutes per game, 3.9 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game while shooting 57.7% from the field. He appeared in 26 games. Not exactly the numbers one would expect from the top high school recruit.
Most of the struggles can be attributed to his history of injuries. In 2013, Giles tore his ACL, MCL and meniscus in his left knee. In 2015, he “partially” tore his ACL in his right knee.
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With this in mind, NBA executives around the league have been patiently waiting to find out where Giles currently stands from a health perspective.
One NBA executive said if healthy, Giles could move himself into the 5-10 range on June 22nd. This would virtually eliminate his chances of becoming a Brooklyn Net. They posses the 22nd and 27th selections of the draft.
According to the same undisclosed NBA executive:
"“He’s the best prospect in the entire draft if he can recover fully and stay healthy, he’s just a freaky talent.”"
So, despite his injury-riddled past, at least some NBA teams still view Giles as a jaw-dropping talent. He hasn’t displayed the same dominance as he did in high school, however.
During the NBA Combine, Giles did his best to turn teams’ attention from his injuries to his strengths. While he did not participate in 5 on 5, Giles’ measurements were enough to “re-open” teams eyes. Standing at 6’10 ½” in shoes, he posted impressive numbers across the board. Giles weighed in at 232 pounds (5.2% body fat), measured a 7’3 ¼” wingspan. He also owned the biggest hands of all draft prospects at 10.75’’ wide and 9.5’’ long.
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His measurements alone could be enough to move him back into the lottery. Unfortunately his play was inconsistent at best during his freshman season at Duke.
Giles has the potential to become an elite defender and rebounder in the NBA because of his size and length. He will need to polish his offensive skill set once he becomes a professional, though. Giles has “superstar” potential, and because of his injuries, Sean Marks and the Nets could have the opportunity to add him to the roster on draft night.
Some see Giles as a “steal” if he falls into the Nets lap at 22 or 27. However, will the Nets continue to add players who have dealt with injuries in the past? Further, will Giles still be on the board when the Nets are on the clock?
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Either way, with the Nets struggling mightily this past season due to injuries (and lack of talent), they should be cautious about falling in love with the potential Giles possesses. In high school, he displayed dominance on the court, but since his injuries, he has looked nothing close to his former self.
The Nets need a spark, and Giles could provide that. They also need stability and consistency, which is something Giles has yet to show during his career as a basketball player.
Many believe the Nets should “swing for the fences” on June 22nd. That doesn’t seem to be the way Marks wants to run the organization. The Nets should steer clear of Giles and focus their attention elsewhere.