Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

5 Players to watch at the NBA Draft Combine

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Jan 11, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) moves the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. South Carolina won 70 to 60. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Knoxville, TN, USA; South Carolina Gamecocks guard Sindarius Thornwell (0) moves the ball against Tennessee Volunteers forward Grant Williams (2) during the second half at Thompson-Boling Arena. South Carolina won 70 to 60. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next

Harry Giles, Duke

At one point, everyone considered Harry Giles a potential number one overall pick. Injuries this year at Duke and an underwhelming season have him going at the end of the first round. If that.

Giles may be a fascinating player to watch at this year’s Combine. He should participate in every event and make it clear to scouts where he stands.

Giles averaged only 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the Duke Blue Devils this year. An early season injury knocked him out of the rotation. And he never really regained his spot despite playing 26 games. He showed some flashes of what he could be later in the season, but he was a bit player for Duke.

Giles is trading mostly on his talent and potential. He was a McDonald’s All-American and the No. 2 player in the country according to 247Sports. Giles was seen as a bruising traditional power forward. He has the size, length and athleticism everyone is looking for. Injuries slowed him down.

Someone late in the first round is going to get a very talented player. But one who needs a lot of time to develop.

Giles will show that talent in workouts, but if he wants to get himself back into the first round discussion, he has to play well at the Combine. Giles has no reason why he should not play in the scrimmages or do all the agility drills. He needs to wow scouts with his physical gifts and let everyone know his injury-riddled freshman year is well behind him.

Giles can help his stock out a lot with a strong performance this week.