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Orlando Magic 2017 NBA Draft Preview: Who is Harry Giles?

By Ryan Doyle

Feb 9, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after dunking the ball against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 9, 2017; Durham, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after dunking the ball against the North Carolina Tar Heels in the second half of their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Dolejs-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) blocks a shot by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Rakym Felder (4) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) blocks a shot by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Rakym Felder (4) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

The Final Word

Harry Giles has had some terrible injury luck of late. For a player who has been on the NBA’s radar since his early teens, he has hit a major bump in the road.

Still, he has the talent and potential to be a first-round selection. If Orlando’s doctors and training staff believe he can handle the NBA schedule, the team should target him.

Hopefully, the young player can get over the hump and work on getting back to 100 percent. After that, he will need to begin to catch up and make up for all the time that he has missed of late. Taking it slow and allowing him to gain confidence may be key for his long-term success.

The one thing that should give everyone hope for Giles is his pure willingness to succeed. He may not have been able to physically, but Giles gives his all on every play. If that translates during practice and in the gym, he should be back to his old self in no time.

Now, Giles is going to be a long-term project. But that is the case with the majority of the players at this position.

Plus, Orlando is a nice location for a young center. He will get to learn from two veterans in Nikola Vucevic and Bismack Biyombo. Along with head coach Frank Vogel who has a history of developing centers on the defensive end.

Next: Orlando Magic Daily 2017 NBA Draft Big Board

Hopefully, Giles can remain healthy and have a productive career as a towering big man in the NBA. He has the tools and willingness, but injuries are the downfall of many careers.