Failed Duke Star Lands Surprise Overseas Contract After Local Snub

Former Duke Blue Devils standout Harry Giles will continue his professional hoops overseas in the CBA (Chinese Basketball Association). The 26-year-old big man has reportedly signed with the Shanxi Loongs, according to Dario Skerletic of Sportando.

The Winston-Salem native recently spent the preseason and training camp with the Charlotte Hornets. Giles saw action in five games, averaging 1.8 points and 3.4 rebounds in 6.6 minutes per game.

Giles did not make the opening night roster after training camp, making him a free agent. Last season, the former Duke standout played 23 games with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. He also played four games with the Lakers G League affiliate (South Bay).

Giles averaged 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds in 4.3 minutes per game in his short stint with the Lakers and Nets. Nonetheless, it was good to see Giles playing basketball at a competitive level.

Giles’ pro hoops career has been mired by injuries that forced him to miss a couple of years. He was drafted with the 17th-overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. 

The 6-foot-11 power forward was a five-star recruit coming out of high school, but that talent couldn’t show itself at Duke. Giles played 26 games in his only season at Duke, averaging 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.

Nonetheless, Duke fans will follow to see how Giles does in the CBA and if he’ll get another opportunity in the NBA or G League.

More Duke news and analysis: