Duke's NBA Roster Sees Homecoming as Giles Joins Hornets

The Duke basketball program has long been a pipeline to the NBA, with a significant number of its alumni finding success at the professional level. In a recent development, the NBA's Duke contingent has seen a shift, with the news of AJ Griffin's Houston Rockets buyout leading to a decrease in the number of Blue Devils on active NBA contracts. However, this trend was short-lived, as the league's Duke representation has now grown once again with the re-addition of Harry Giles to the Charlotte Hornets roster.

Homecoming for North Carolina Native Giles

Giles Agrees to One-Year Deal with Hornets

According to a report from The Athletic's Shams Charania, the 26-year-old Giles has "agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets." This move marks a homecoming for the North Carolina native, who now has the opportunity to compete for a roster spot with the Hornets.

Joining Fellow Blue Devils on Hornets Roster

Giles, a 6-foot-11, 240-pound big man from Winston-Salem, will look to join two fellow NBA Blue Devils on the 2024-25 Charlotte Hornets roster. The team already features veteran sharpshooting guard Seth Curry and third-year starting center Mark Williams, both of whom have established themselves as key contributors at the professional level.

Giles' NBA Journey and Injury Struggles

Giles' path to the NBA has been marked by both promise and adversity. He was selected 20th overall in the 2017 NBA Draft following his injury-riddled one-and-done Duke basketball campaign. Over the years, Giles has battled a myriad of knee problems, which have hindered his ability to consistently contribute at the professional level.

Giles' Comeback Attempt

Last season, after a two-year absence from the NBA, Giles earned a return to the league. He played 23 games between his stints with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers, averaging only 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in 4.3 minutes per outing. This latest opportunity with the Hornets represents a chance for Giles to regain his footing and potentially revive his NBA career.

Giles' Most Productive NBA Season

Giles' most productive NBA campaign came during the 2018-19 season as a member of the Sacramento Kings. That year, he averaged 7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds, and he was part of the Kings' full-time rotation the following season as well. This experience provides a glimpse of Giles' potential when he is healthy and able to consistently contribute at the professional level.

Duke's Continued NBA Presence

The addition of Giles to the Hornets roster is a testament to the enduring impact of Duke basketball on the NBA. Despite the recent decrease in the number of Blue Devils on active NBA contracts, the program's influence remains strong, with players like Giles, Curry, and Williams continuing to represent the Duke brand at the highest level of professional basketball.