Hopeful Duke Basketball Product Set to Work Out for NBA Teams

Duke basketball's Harry Giles III has been out of the league for over two years.

Matt Giles | Jul 9, 2023

Hopeful Duke Basketball Product Set to Work Out for NBA Teams /

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Currently, 26 former Duke basketball players are on contract for next season in the NBA. But of those, it wouldn't be a surprise if a few get waived between now and the end of the preseason in early October.

On the other hand, one or more Duke talents could return to the league following a year or more out of it. They could push the NBA Blue Devil count in the other direction, potentially breaking the program record, set in 2020, of 26 former players on an opening-day roster.

One such candidate to return to the league next season is 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done Harry Giles III.

According to a tweet from Bleacher Report's Chris Haynes on Saturday, Giles and former eight-year league journeyman Dion Waiters will hold private workouts for teams in Las Vegas on Monday as NBA Summer League action continues in the same city.

Former first-round picks Dion Waiters and Harry Giles III will hold private workouts separately for NBA teams on Monday in Las Vegas, their agent Daniel Hazan of @hazansportsmgmt tells @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport.
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) July 9, 2023

Despite only a reserve role during his lone Duke basketball campaign, Giles came off the board at No. 20 on draft night before getting traded to the Sacramento Kings. He then sat out his rookie season to further strengthen his legs, for a series of knee injuries as one of the nation's top-rated preps had cost him much of his bounce.

His two seasons in Sacramento, where the 6-foot-11, 240-pound big man became a fan favorite and still holds camps, were his best. He played 104 games for the Kings, averaging 7.0 points and 3.9 rebounds as part of those teams' regular rotation.

Harry Giles III, now 25, hasn't been in the league since 2020-21. That season, he averaged 2.8 points and 3.5 rebounds in only 38 games for the Portland Trail Blazers.

Stay tuned to Blue Devil Country on SI.com for daily doses of Duke basketball news.

Published Jul 9, 2023

MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.