2017 NBA Mock Draft: New York Knicks and the value of the point guard

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Mar 9, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Louisville Cardinals during the first half of an ACC Conference Tournament game at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sportsat Barclays Center. /

27. Brooklyn Nets: Harry Giles, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Center
Age: 19 (4/22/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.5″, 232 pounds, 7’3.25″
2016-17 Slash Line: .577/.000/.500
2016-17 Season Averages: 11.5 MPG, 3.9 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 1.6 ORPG, 0.7 BPG

The Brooklyn Nets took a chance on a versatile forward in T.J. Leaf at No. 22 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft. With a limited number of perimeter players available, the decision made is to invest in a position that could create a bit of an issue long-term: center.

Harry Giles is a polarizing prospect due to his extensive injury history, but there’s a good chance he’ll come off the board significantly earlier than No. 27.

The truth of the matter is that the Nets have a decision to make at No. 22 overall, and it begins and ends with center Brook Lopez. Lopez will turn 30 years of age near the end of the 2017-18 NBA regular season, and one can easily assume that he would command a first-round draft pick in a potential trade.

Trading Lopez would enable Brooklyn to not only net a solid return, but explore just how realistic Giles’ superstar potential is—and the working theory is that it’s real.

In high school, Giles was an explosive athlete who could play from the post, dominate the boards, and protect the rim with relative ease. Today, he’s a prospect who’s being forced to overcome multiple knee injuries and thus reestablish himself as an NBA-caliber player.

Giles was a favorite to go No 1 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft before his second injury in high school, however, and that’s something the Nets should give serious consideration to.

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