The Sacramento Kings selected Harry Giles out of Duke with the 20th pick in the 2017 NBA Draft fully aware of the medical issues he’s dealt with since his senior year of High School. Giles was an early high school phenom, quickly climbing up the ranks as a top prospect going into his last year at Oak Hill Academy despite tearing his left ACL in 2013 and his right ACL in 2015.
The Kings are a team with nothing to lose at this point as they go through a full rebuild. Taking a cautious approach with the 19-year-old forward to try and get the most out of the 20th pick with top pick potential will be the route Sacramento takes. Giles will have to push his NBA debut to the 2018 NBA Summer League as the Kings announced he will not play this season.
The following is a press release from the Kings.
Sacramento Kings rookie forward Harry Giles has made significant progress in the four months since beginning a measured and sustained plan designed to improve physical strength in his knees. Recent evaluation reveals Giles is entirely healthy, having experienced no setbacks during a focused regimen that has included participation in team practices, skill and strength training.
Given the wealth of scientific research supporting a methodical approach to ACL prevention and rehabilitation, he will not be introduced to NBA gameplay during the 2017-18 season but focus on more vigorous practice activity and individual workouts tailored to continue developing overall strength and aid ACL injury prevention. Harry will remain an active contributor in all other basketball-related team functions in preparation for action in the 2018 Las Vegas Summer League.
He played in 26 games at Duke during the 2016-17 season but averaged just 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds as Duke also attempted to slow play his return.
