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Orlando Magic Draft Targets for pick No. 25

By Ryan Doyle

Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; With less than a minute left in the game key magic players watch the game from the bench (left to right) Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Evan Fournier (10) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and forward Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; With less than a minute left in the game key magic players watch the game from the bench (left to right) Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Evan Fournier (10) and forward Aaron Gordon (00) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) and forward Terrence Ross (31) during the second half of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Cavaliers won 116-104. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Harry Giles, Duke Blue Devils
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) celebrates after defeating against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the ACC Conference Tournament Final at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 75-69. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Harry Giles — F/C (Duke)

Whichever team decides to pull the trigger on Harry Giles is taking a major risk.

If Orlando feels the player they draft at six is a lock to be a franchise player, they may take a risk with one of their later picks on a player with higher upside who was a bit unproven in college. Undoubtedly Giles falls into that category. But he could very well be worth the investment.

Giles was one of the top recruits coming out of high school but struggled to stay healthy in his lone season with the Duke Blue Devils. Even with only a few games under his belt, Giles decided to declare for the draft anyway.

Obviously, the talent is there after being a highly touted prospect. But the unknown may make teams look in another direction. For the Magic, Giles may be worth the risk.

Offensively, Giles will have work to do. He only played 11.5 minutes per game and failed to display any unique skills on that side of the ball. Giles would struggle to find minutes with the Magic when trying to share the floor with players like Bismack Biyombo who also struggles on offense.

If the injuries do not ruin his athletic ability, Giles’ physical traits will allow for success, but history isn’t on his side. This is a position where having the Lakeland Magic readily available could help him gain playing time and confidence to unlock that potential.