Orlando Magic 2017 NBA Draft Preview: Who is Harry Giles?
By Ryan Doyle
The Good
Potential.
Yes, potential is far from a guarantee. But it is not often a number one high school recruit will be on the board at pick number 25.
Giles has been coveted since his early high school playing days. College scouts have plenty of evidence and data that show how good he can be when he is healthy. According to DraftExpress, Giles has very impressive career numbers even with his injury troubles of late. He has averaged 23 points and 16 rebounds per 40 minutes in his career.
Aside from injuries, Giles fits the bill physically. He stands just shorter than seven-feet tall and has an insane 7-foot-3 wingspan. Giles has the length to size to play center in the NBA.
Offensively, Giles uses his athleticism to score points. His length and athleticism allow him to blow past defenders and get to the rim. He mainly scored when cutting to the basket and showed that he can be a threat in the pick-and-roll.
Giles has strong intangibles. He plays with extreme effort and uses it in all phases of the game. On the glass, he wills himself to get rebounds. And on offense, he regularly scores second chance points.
On the defensive side of the ball, Giles can become a very good defender on the NBA level. If his body begins to fill out, he can be a factor in the paint against NBA centers. For now, his length and athleticism will allow him to handle power forwards and even some guards on switches.