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Duke’s Harry Giles, once a potential No. 1 pick, declares for NBA draft

Pittsburgh v Duke

DURHAM, NC - FEBRUARY 04: Harry Giles #1 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts after a basket against the Pittsburgh Panthers during their game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on February 4, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

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About a year ago, Harry Giles looked like he could be the No. 1 pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

But multiple knee injuries have added up and contributed to a lackluster freshman year at Duke, especially considering Giles started the season late due to his latest knee surgery.

Where does this leave him with the NBA?

We’ll find out.

Duke release:

Duke freshman forward Harry Giles has announced that he will enter his name in the 2017 NBA Draft.

At his best, Giles is an athletic power forward who plays with skill and energy. But we didn’t see much, if any, of that player during 11.5 minutes per game in just 26 contests at Duke.

Medical testing will define everything for Giles. He’s projected to go somewhere in the middle of the first round, but that’s a wide range with so much uncertainty about his knees.

Helping Giles: Joel Embiid’s success after entering the NBA with major red flags about his health. Even though Embiid is again injured, he was so good while on the court for the 76ers. That’s a favorable recent comparison for Giles.