Charlotte Hornets: Three Under-the-Radar Free Agents to Pursue
Harry Giles
The Hornets have not exactly been a destination for developing young big men in recent history. Cody Zeller, Noah Vonleh and Frank Kaminsky among others, have all failed to reach their peak potential in Charlotte. Perhaps the Hornets’ center of the future is rotting away in Sacramento currently, desperately needing a fresh start.
Harry Giles has had a unique career thus far to say the least. He was the number one recruit in the nation coming out of high school. However, injuries plagued his college career and after falling out of the lottery in the 2017 NBA Draft, he was drafted to the worst team imaginable. The Duke product is only 21-years old and has yet to be given a true opportunity amongst a crowded Kings‘ frontcourt.
Teams haven’t been able to see Giles play consistently since high school. When healthy, he has put up good showings in every small opportunity he’s received. The North Carolina native’s per 36-minute stats jump off the page.
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Over the course of his two years playing, his per 36 numbers are 17.3 points and 9.8 rebounds a game on good splits. This demonstrates that when he is on the court, he simply produces. It is difficult to find minutes when the Kings continuously acquire young big men and attempt to develop them all simultaneously.
Any questions surrounding the legitimacy of his numbers should be abolished by the Kings’ 8-2 record when Giles played at least 20 minutes.
It is reasonable to assume that after declining his fourth-year option, the Kings will not have much interest in bringing back the young big man. With a hole at the starting center position long term, Charlotte would be wise to take a gamble on Giles.
He fits perfectly into an athletic, ‘chip on the shoulder’ brand of basketball Borrego was succeeding with at various points throughout the season. Finishing on this image, between Devonte’ Graham’s court vision and ability to space the floor and Giles’ athleticism and touch around the hoop, there are viable pick-and-roll possibilities with this pairing.