2017 NBA Mock Draft: An Early Look Ahead

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MAPLE GROVE, MN- MAY 23: Harry Giles #1 from Team CP3 and Wesleyan Christian Academy during Session Four of the Nike EYBL on May 23, 2015 at Maple Grove Community Gym in Maple Grove, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images) /

1. Harry Giles, Duke Blue Devils

Position: Power Forward
Age: 18 (4/22/1998)
Class: Freshman
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.75″, 222 pounds, 7’3″
Slash Line: N/A
Season Averages: N/A

Once again, the Duke Blue Devils have landed one of the most coveted prospects in the country. Much as he did with Jabari Parker, Jahlil Okafor, and Brandon Ingram, Mike Krzyzewski has recruited an elite frontcourt prospect to play for his team.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, incoming freshman power forward Harry Giles will go No. 1 overall in the 2017 NBA Draft.

Giles’ appeal is being one of the most explosive athletes one can find in this draft class. Standing at 6’11” and 222 pounds with a 7’3″ wingspan, the 18-year-old power forward can easily play above the rim and runs the floor as fluidly as many wings.

Both physically and athletically, Giles is nothing short of a phenom—and that even remains true after the major knee injury he sustained in 2013.

On the court, Giles is a dominant force from within the free throw line. He’s far more fundamentally sound down low than most 18-year-old big men, and has the explosiveness to go with it.

Giles has his weaknesses, as all 18-year-old players do, but his upside is undeniably elite.

Next: Destroying The Rim