With the Charlotte Hornets likely looking for inside presence during the offseason, a young, yet unproven, center could be just what the team needs.
Well, we finally know what the NBA season will look like as the date slowly approaches for the league to resume play after being on a long hiatus. The Charlotte Hornets won’t factor into that as their season is completely finished.
Their eyes are now on improving the team during the offseason and one area that is of desperate need is that of the center position. With the contracts of big-men like Bismack Biyombo and Willy Hernangomez expiring, the Hornets may look to newcomers to fill those roles.
One interesting name out there is that of Harry Giles. It’s not often you see a 22-year old entering free agency as an unrestricted free agent, especially one with the talent of Giles. Unfortunately, injuries have plagued the 6’11” forward out of Duke.
Despite his injuries, Harry Giles’ potential and youth could be too good to pass up for the Charlotte Hornets.
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It would be in college where the injuries would start to take their toll. After tearing the ACL in his right knee during his senior year in high school, Giles sat out much of his freshman year for the Blue Devils, finally appearing toward the middle of the season.
He played well, but wasn’t the focal point of the team’s offense, despite being the No. 1 ranked recruit coming in. Rather than continuing his college career, he declared for the NBA Draft after only a few months in school.
He would be selected 20th by the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2017 draft, only to be traded to the Sacramento Kings later that evening. Nagging injuries would again see him play very limited minutes for the Kings, either spending most of his time on the bench or playing for the Stockton Kings, Sacramento’s G-League affiliate.
Shortly before the start of the 2019-2020 season, the Kings declined to extend his contract, making him an unrestricted free agent this offseason. In 96 career games, Giles has averaged 7 points and 4 rebounds per game, while shooting 52% from the field.
With Sacramento seemingly done with him after Dewayne Dedmon and Richaun Holmes effectively making him superfluous, Giles is looking to make a fresh start and if he can avoid injury, the Charlotte Hornets might just be the place for him.
Cody Zeller has one more year left on his contract and it may be in the team’s best interests to move on from after his deal is done. All signs point to the team potentially drafting a center in the upcoming NBA Draft, but at just 22 years old, Giles still has plenty of upside.
His game is still developing, mainly due to the lack of playing time as a result of his lingering injuries, but if he is asking for the right deal, the Winson-Salem native could flourish in his home state.
When healthy, he fits the role of a modern NBA big man, running the floor well and has great presence under the basket. He can finish well at the rim and doesn’t mind getting down low and rarely looks to avoid contact.
Defensively, he’s a more than adequate rim protector, not shying away from opposing players and loves to contest for rebounds. With his length, he can be a decent shot blocker and with his quick feet, can easily keep up with most centers and power forwards.
The talent and athleticism are there, but the big issues, again, are his injuries and if he can stay healthy. It’s a huge risk nowadays to take in a guy who’s had the type of knee issues Giles has had and it’s a shame because from what I can gather, he is a very well-liked teammate and the fans in Sacramento seemed to have loved him, despite his lack of playing time.
In Charlotte, he would bring intensity and toughness to a team that has lacked that at times, especially since losing Kemba Walker. His defense and ability to pass out from the paint would also be a welcome asset with the two marksmen the Hornets have at guard.
At just 22-years old, plenty of teams are probably seeing the potential he still has and the Charlotte Hornets could be one of those teams. It would definitely be a feel-good story to see a kid whose luck has been dreadful come to his home team and finally have a fruitful career.
Will the former Blue Devil wind up in a Charlotte uniform? We’ll have to wait and see, but if he does, he’ll certainly be easy to root for.