It has been a rough season overall for Giles. Coming off of multiple knee surgeries and nearly two years of missed basketball, the former top recruit has needed rather a rather extensive adjustment period in a Duke frontcourt that is brimming with talent around him. The explosiveness that once made him an elite prospect a couple years back has dwindled, and he has been through a gauntlet of ebbs and flows that have dropped his stock tremendously over the course of the past few months.
With that said, though, the potential is still there. Giles was among the more supremely talented big men we’ve seen entering the draft conversation in recent years, and remains just two years removed from being considered a generational talent in the interior. While lost mobility and lingering injury concerns have certainly put a handicap on those expectations, it’s not unreasonable to believe that — if he can stay healthy — Giles can eventually return to some semblance of his former self, which would make him a more than productive asset at the NBA level.
Before coming to Duke, Giles left people in awe with his explosive bursts to the rim and incredibly well-rounded skill set at the four spot. He’s a well-built 6-11, and boasted both the physical tools and all-around talent need to overwhelm his opposition in nearly every facet of the game. There were comparisons to Nerlens Noel on defense, while DeMarcus Cousins was a name thrown around for his offensive upside. That’s a fairly promising mix.
Now, while those may not be the most accurate or reasonable of expectations — neither then nor now — it certainly alludes to just how high his ceiling was. With the Duke this season, though, his game has been radically transformed. He’s spending more time on the low block given his lessened mobility, utilizing post ups and the pick-and-roll to find the majority of his offensive production. He’s also handling the ball less than he has in the past, but still attacks closeouts with relative success when presented with the opportunity.
Previous Ranking: 13
I would suspect Giles fits — long term — as a center more so than a power forward at the next level, by virtue of both the league’s direction and his loss of bounce from his knees. But, that also comes with additional health concerns. Centers often garner more wear and tear than fours do, and may force Giles to remain at power forward because of it.
Giles is a clear cut risk. While he has shown flashes, they have been washed out at times by long stretches of mediocre play. He’s a couple years away from regaining any of his prior form, if that’s still attainable, but that may be worth the gamble for a late lottery or mid-first round team.