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Before the season, some scouts expected Harry Giles to go first overall in the 2017 draft. That's how high his ceiling looked prior to him arriving at Duke.

A preseason knee surgery—his third in five years—was a game-changer, despite being considered minor relative to the two previous operations he underwent to repair torn ACLs.

That minor setback cost Giles the first 11 games, forcing him to play catchup behind a deep group. He never fully broke into the already successful, talented rotation, averaging just 3.9 points in 11.5 minutes during his one-and-done freshman year.

Even when on the floor, he failed to stand out. Outside of converting easy finishes, putbacks and the occasional jump hook, Giles looked mostly limited offensively and vulnerable on defense, where he averaged 7.7 fouls per 40 minutes.

The fact that only 11 prospects at the NBA combine finished with lower max verticals (32 ½") doesn't help convince scouts his bounce has returned, either.

Now NBA teams are left to decide how to value an obvious 19-year-old talent with little experience, minimal production and a lengthy injury history. Giles still has plenty of time to build up his strength, confidence, skills and IQ. But in a strong draft, the risk may be too overwhelming for most teams in the mid-first round.