Former Duke Basketball One-And-Done Earns Well-Deserved Return to NBA

The Brooklyn Nets now boast a pair of Duke basketball talents.

Matt Giles | Sep 1, 2023

Photo credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports

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Duke Blue Devils

Harry Giles, drafted No. 20 overall in 2017, hasn't played in the NBA since May 2021. So it's fair to say his future in the league has long looked uncertain, even doubtful. But the Duke basketball product worked out for several teams over the summer, expressing a new level of determination while appearing as bouncy as ever as a pro.

It's now safe to say the hard work paid off for the former five-star recruit and beloved Blue Devil, whose best outings at Duke came in comeback wins over archrival UNC.

Giles has agreed to a one-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets, according to a report from Bleacher Report and NBA on TNT insider Chris Haynes on Friday afternoon.

Free agent forward Harry Giles III has reached an agreement on a one-year deal with the Brooklyn Nets, his agent Daniel Hazan of @hazansportsmgmt tells @NBAonTNT, @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/CAJ3fMwyta
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 1, 2023

And the 6-foot-11, 240-pound Giles isn't the only Duke basketball one-and-done on tap for the 2023-24 Nets. He joins last season's top 3-point marksman in Durham and this summer's No. 22 overall draft pick, Dariq Whitehead.

Giles, still only 25 years old and seemingly as recovered as he'll ever be from his slew of past knee injuries that have plagued his progress on the court since the later stages of his prep days at Oak Hill Academy (Va.), began his NBA career with the Sacramento Kings.

After sitting out his first year to strengthen his knees, his most productive campaign, including his career-high 58 appearances in the regular season, came as a member of the 2018-19 Kings, averaging 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14.1 minutes per game as a key reserve.

He spent another season in Sacramento before signing with the Portland Trail Blazers for the 2020-21 campaign.

The Harry Giles news brings the number of former Duke basketball players on contract for the 2023-24 NBA season to 24, at least for now.

There's no telling if that count will grow or decrease. A few Blue Devils on the outside looking in could still find their way onto a roster. Yet, at the same time, there's no guarantee that some won't get cut after training camp begins in early October.

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

Published Sep 1, 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.