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NBA Mock Draft 2017, Week 10: Markelle Fultz lands in Boston

By Chris Stone

Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies guard Markelle Fultz (20) calls a play against the Nevada Wolf Pack during the second half at Alaska Airlines Arena at Hec Edmundson Pavilion. Nevada defeated Washington, 87-85. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2016; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) stands on the court in the second half against the Elon Phoenix at Greensboro Coliseum. Duke defeated Elon 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Greensboro, NC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) stands on the court in the second half against the Elon Phoenix at Greensboro Coliseum. Duke defeated Elon 72-61. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
at The Step Back.

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Harry Giles

PF, Duke

It appears that playoff predictions for an inexperienced Minnesota Timberwolves squad may have been at least one year too early. Despite having one of the league’s best young cores, Minnesota has struggled to put it together under first year coach Tom Thibodeau. The former Chicago Bulls head coach is well-known for his commitment to defense. Last season, he drafted Providence’s Kris Dunn despite having Ricky Rubio on the roster. Dunn was one of the top perimeter defenders in college basketball as a junior. With another lottery pick on the horizon, the Timberwolves have a chance to get better quickly.

Duke’s Harry Giles was the top-rated recruit in this class coming out of high school, but a knee surgery early in the season and questions about how he’ll recover have pushed him out of the top three in this draft. At 6-foot-11, Giles has excellent size for a power forward. Prior to his knee surgeries, he was a great athlete and if he shows over the last half of the season that he’s bounced back well, then he could move up on draft boards. His quickness and length make his a potentially versatile defender that could combine with Karl-Anthony Towns to create one of the league’s best defensive frontcourts.

Offensively, Giles can attack with his back to the basket or off the bounce. He hasn’t shown much yet in terms of being able to space the floor, but he has good touch in the paint and should be able to develop some sort of a jumper given his youth.

Learn more about Harry Giles and Duke’s other draft prospects at The Step Back.