Center Harry Giles returned to the NBA after a myriad of injury issues, this time donning a new jersey, that of the Brooklyn Nets. Giles started a preseason game against Maccabi Ra’anana, where he put up 16 points, 10 rebounds, and one steal in only 20 minutes.
Giles has not been on an NBA roster since the 2020-21 season where he played only 38 games for the Portland Trail Blazers. When speaking about his return to the NBA, Giles had this to say.
“Every game I plan to get better, I feel better,” Giles said in the post-game press conference,“ It’s all about confidence too, man so just building confidence each game, It’s my first couple games in two years so for me it’s just working through that.”
Drafted with the 20th pick of the 2017 NBA Draft, Giles was seen as a high-upside prospect. Giles was once ranked as the top high school prospect in the nation by ESPN, due to his athletic tools and explosive play.
Unfortunately, this has not yet translated to his play at the top level, but Giles has a legitimate opportunity to compete for a rotational role under head coach Jacque Vaughn.
“I thought Harry was extremely aggressive, and that started with his rebounding on both ends of the floor,” Vaughn said post-game, “He was physical, I think he was in the right spots defensively giving us a presence at the rim so definitely a good night for him.”
Giles was able to get the start with big man Nic Claxton dealing with a right glute injury, allowing the former first-round pick to pick up the impressive double-double.
The Nets open the season on October 25th against the Cleveland Cavaliers, where Giles could have the chance to impress once again.
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