Denver Nuggets: 3 options for the backup center role

3 options for the backup center role: Harry Giles

Harry Giles is looking for his third team in four years. After unsuccessful spells with the Sacramento Kings and Portland Trailblazers, Giles will be aiming to land in a spot that accentuates his talents and allows him to rebuild his value.

Once a highly recruited player out of high school, Giles has struggled to flash his potential since entering the NBA.

On defense, the Duke product has upside as a switchable center, capable of guarding the perimeter and restricted area. Giles’ ability to move his feet and stay in front of his man will be invaluable to him earning more rotation minutes in the future, but it’s his rebounding that currently stands out.

In just 9.2 minutes per game this season, Giles provided the Portland Trailblazers with 3.5 rebounds per game. Giles stands at 6-foot-11 with a 7-foot-2 wingspan and has the physical tools to be a defensive disruptor for years to come. Unfortunately, two ACL injuries during his earlier years have stunted Giles’ growth, and now the young big is trying to make up lost ground.

As reported by Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report  back in 2018;

"“The 19-year-old Giles was widely heralded during his high school career and was the No. 2 overall prospect in the class of 2016 behind only Josh Jackson, per 247Sports’ composite rankings, even though he tore his left ACL in 2013 and his right ACL in 2015.”"

Giles projects as a potential rim runner with a versatile defensive game at this point in his career. For a team with 10-14 minutes a night to spare, Giles could be a low-risk, high-reward option.

For the Nuggets, if they can snag Giles on a one or two-year minimum deal, Giles could both fill a need and potentially become a valuable member of the rotation.