Once a No. 1 Candidate, Duke’s Harry Giles III Likely Can’t Save His Draft Stock

Everything about Harry Giles III’s situation at Duke suggests a 2017 NBA draft slide is coming.

Having already torn both ACLs before turning 19 years old, it’s become clear just how damaging the timing was of October’s setback—a third pre-college surgery that forced him to miss the first 11 games of the 2016-17 season.

Predicting a tumble down June’s board isn’t a knee-jerk reaction to the 23 total minutes he’s played, either. Although, if we learned anything from his early action against Tennessee State, Elon and Virginia Tech, it’s that he isn’t ready for impact basketball.

Duke needed all hands on deck today, but Harry Giles only played 4 minutes. That kid is a looong way away.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) December 31, 2016

Giles still has two-plus months to get back his legs and confidence, of course. The question is whether he’ll have the opportunity jumping in midseason to a loaded lineup with national title aspirations.

Senior Amile Jefferson has emerged as one of the country’s most valuable players, averaging 13.8 points, 10.9 rebounds and 1.9 blocks on 63.2 percent shooting. As Duke’s leader, his 31.2 minutes per game appear secure.

Playing freshman Jayson Tatum at the 4 also gives Duke a mismatch and go-to scorer (15.8 points per game) in the lineup. For what it’s worth, the Jefferson-Giles-Tatum frontcourt struggled badly Saturday.

And with Grayson Allen out, Duke needs more offense. Outside of Luke Kennard, the rest of the team shot 17-of-48 during its 14-point loss to the Hokies.

Kennard has emerged as a National Player of the Year candidate, and the Blue Devils need Matt Jones’ defense and veteran presence. Throw in Frank Jackson (11.8 points per game), Marques Bolden, Chase Jeter and the likelihood of Allen returning at some point, and Giles’ workload can only grow so big.

He won’t have significant reps to …

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