Blue Devil Country

Former Duke Basketball Forward Among Top Unsigned NBA Free Agents

Duke basketball product Harry Giles earned a return to the NBA late last season, but there's no guarantee he'll land on a 2024-25 roster.
Matt Giles|
Former Duke basketball forward Harry Giles
Former Duke basketball forward Harry Giles | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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Duke Blue Devils

Last September, following back-to-back seasons out of the NBA, 2016-17 Duke basketball one-and-done and former first round draft pick Harry Giles secured a one-year contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

ALSO READ: Duke One-And-Done May Cut Short Playing Career

The 6-foot-11, 240-pound center saw action in 16 outings for the Nets, averaging 3.4 points and 1.6 rebounds. Even so, they waived him in early February.

Less than a month later, Giles signed a two-way deal with the Los Angeles Lakers for the remainder of the season. But he played only seven games, totaling two points and four boards across 19 minutes on the floor.

Currently, the 26-year-old Harry Giles, plagued by knee injuries for much of his career, is not on an NBA team for the upcoming season, which tips off in a little over a month. However, according to the following post from Legion Hoops this week, he is one of a few dozen notable free agents still on the market:

Giles' most productive seasons in the league were with the Sacramento Kings in 2018-19 and 2019-20 after he sat out his rookie year while strengthening his knees. Over those two campaigns, he played 104 regular season games, including 17 starting nods, while averaging 7.0 points and 3.9 rebounds

For now, the number of Duke basketball alums set to be in the NBA this season sits at 25.

RELATED: Full Inventory of Former Duke Players Currently in the NBA

Stay tuned to Duke Blue Devils On SI for more Duke basketball recruiting news.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of Duke Blue Devils on SI, North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining SI in 2022, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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