The NBA 2017 Draft is considered one of the most loaded drafts in recent history, but a former top high school prospect presents a huge dilemma for teams.
Giles was formerly the no.1 high school prospect and his college decision was anticipated years in advance. He was also projected as a no.1 pick in the NBA 2017 draft, projecting his arrival in the league as a "one and done" rookie.
It was speculated that Giles' draft stock has dropped immensely since he hardly played in his high school senior year and even his first season at Duke as he was recuperating from a blown ACL. Now, he has officially announced the end of his college career.
"Playing in the NBA has been my goal for as long as I can remember, and I'm so excited to take the next step in that journey," Giles said in a statement issued through the school (h/t ESPN). "My time at Duke has been a dream come true."
There were some pundits who believed that Giles should have stayed one more season at Duke where he can show his true abilities when he is fully recovered. However, that is still too much of a risk. If he gets injured again, his career is over even before it started.
Besides, the latest mock drafts still has Giles getting picked in the first round. According to known draft expert Jonathan Givony in his mock draft for The Vertical, Giles could end up with the Brooklyn Nets at the 24th pick which they got from the Washington Wizards.
"The Nets may look to take a flyer on Giles, who was once considered one of the top prospects in this class before suffering multiple knee injuries. At this stage in the draft, he could emerge as a steal if he's able to rediscover the athleticism and intensity level that made him such a coveted prospect," Givony said.
If Giles is fully recovered, then he has the best opportunity to shine on a Brooklyn Nets team that is short on talent. The Nets have swapped their own draft pick in a trade with the Boston Celtics in one of the most lopsided deals in NBA history.
