Heat Rumors: Miami to work out 2017 NBA Draft prospect Harry Giles
By Wes Goldberg
The Miami Heat will hold a workout for one of the most talented–but also most injury prone–players in the upcoming NBA Draft.
The one-time top-rated prospect Harry Giles, who has tumbled down draft boards because of recurring injuries, will work out for the Miami Heat before the June 22 NBA Draft, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson writes.
Giles missed the first 11 games of Duke’s season while recovering from knee surgery he underwent before the start of his freshman season. Prior to that, Giles also dealt with a torn left ACL, MCL, a meniscus in 2013, and a torn right ACL in 2015. All this before he’s turned 20 years old.
Jackson reports, however, that the Heat will still do their homework.
"There is believed to be concern inside the Heat about Giles’ knees, which have been surgically repaired three times.Nevertheless, Miami wants to take a look at him to determine how seriously to consider him if he’s available at 14."
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Despite the injuries, Giles is still believed to be a first-round pick in the draft, and could be taken somewhere around the No. 14 pick, where Miami is slotted to select.
In 26 games after returning from surgery, Giles underwhelmed. He averaged just 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game under coach Mike Krzyzewski. His talent, however, is undeniable. His versatility and athleticism make him an intriguing prospect. He can play power forward or center and, if healthy, has the quickness and bounce to become a monster in pick-and-roll situations.
If he recovers fully, Giles will thrive as a rebounder who can finish above the rim. He’s athletic enough as a big to run the floor and threaten in transition. The potential is there to develop a face-up game from the perimeter as well.
Of course, none of this matters if Giles is going to spend his 20s dealing with the consequences of multiple knee procedures. Without his explosiveness, Giles is just another tall body. He could still be effective in the NBA, but ultimately uninspiring.
Next: Heat value versatility in NBA mock draft
With the 14th pick in the draft, the Heat will put the time in to evaluate a player who could be among the most talented in the draft. If they think his knees check out, they could be getting a future star.