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2017 NBA Draft: 5 potential busts

By Max Holm

Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) reacts after a dunk against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish during the first half of the ACC Conference Tournament final at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) shoots the ball against Troy Trojans forward Alex Hicks (30) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2017; Greenville, SC, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) shoots the ball against Troy Trojans forward Alex Hicks (30) during the first half in the first round of the 2017 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Harry Giles, PF/C, Duke

I really want Harry Giles to bounce back and succeed. He would be a fantastic addition to the NBA and especially to the growing number of promising big men in the league. However, after multiple knee injuries and a shocking freshman year at Duke, he’s one of, if not the riskiest player in the draft.

Giles had next to no confidence at Duke and it will probably take a long time for him to get back to a respectable level. Back in high school, Giles could do it all on both ends of the floor. If an NBA team can get him back to half the player he was, he’s a steal. That scenario seems very murky right now, which is sad because this kid balled out in high school.

We’re looking at one of the biggest boom-or-bust prospects in recent memory. He may be worth a flier to a team with multiple picks like Brooklyn, but Giles’ fit is more important than almost any other prospect.

Putting him in an environment like San Antonio would be his best bet, but there’s a high chance that’s not where he ends up. Giles needs a lot of hands-on attention and development. It’s very possible the former No. 1 high school player in the country just never pans out.

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