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2017 NBA Mock Draft: The final predictions

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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Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) blocks a shot by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Rakym Felder (4) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 19, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) blocks a shot by South Carolina Gamecocks guard Rakym Felder (4) during the first half in the second round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /
Learn more about Harry Giles at The Step Back.

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17

Harry Giles

PF/C, Duke

Greg Monroe may have opted into his contract, but that doesn’t mean he is part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ long-term plans. Finding another big man to rotate with Thon Maker in the frontcourt should be a priority and taking a risk on Duke’s Harry Giles just might be the most favorable option. The 6-foot-11 center was once the top-rated prospect in this class, but knee injuries slowed down his development this season.

For much of the year, Giles simply couldn’t get on the court as the Blue Devils rolled out small ball lineups featuring Jayson Tatum at the power forward spot and fifth-year senior Amile Jefferson at center. When Giles did hit the floor, there were some obvious struggles as he didn’t seem to fully trust his knee yet and occasionally stumbled his way through pick-and-roll defense.

It wasn’t all bad for Giles, though. There were signs that the knee was improving as the season went on and he was very good statistically on the defensive end when he was on the floor. He averaged 2.3 blocks and 1.2 steals per 40 minutes in those limited minutes. Giles would be a risk at No. 17, but he’s one that could pay off big if he ever returns to his fully healthy form.

Learn more about Harry Giles at The Step Back.