Blue Devil Country

Several NBA Teams Now Eyeing Duke Basketball Product Harry Giles

It sounds like Duke basketball pro Harry Giles has a substantial chance of returning to the NBA.

Matt Giles

Several NBA Teams Now Eyeing Duke Basketball Product Harry Giles
Several NBA Teams Now Eyeing Duke Basketball Product Harry Giles /
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Former Duke basketball one-and-done Harry Giles, at one time the nation's top-ranked recruit in the 2016 class, has spent this summer providing evidence in workouts and pro-league action that his past knee injuries may no longer be cause for concern. 

RELATED: Duke Product Harry Giles Goes Off in Miami

As a result, interest in the 6-foot-11, 240-pound big man is ramping up.

According to SNY's Ian Begley, the Orlando Magic recently worked out the 25-year-old. Then the Brooklyn Nets attended a Giles workout in Miami on Saturday. And the Golden State Warriors will check him out in the next few days.

The Magic might be a good fit because they have two former Duke basketball stars as their frontcourt centerpieces in reigning NBA Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero and sixth-year full-time NBA starter Wendell Carter Jr.

Meanwhile, Chris Paul, joining forces with Steph Curry following a trade this summer, makes the Warriors an intriguing possibility for Giles. After all, the 38-year-old Paul, perhaps partially behind pulling the strings for this week's scheduled workout, is a fellow Winston-Salem, N.C., native and one of Giles' long-time mentors.

Maybe Giles fills the open two-way roster spot with the Nets or lands with a team not even in the picture right now.

Another option is he signs a G League contract, continues to impress with his rediscovered bounce and refined moves, and bides his time until in-season injuries force some franchise to look for help on the open market.

After playing only a reserve role for the 2016-17 Duke basketball squad but coming up big in comeback wins over archival UNC, Harry Giles was drafted No. 20 overall by the Portland Trail Blazers and traded to the Sacramento Kings. He remained in Sacramento until signing with the Blazers as a free agent in 2020.

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Across three seasons in the league — he sat out his rookie year to rehab his knees — Giles played 142 regular-season games, averaging 5.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12.9 minutes per outing.

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

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Matt Giles
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.

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