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Fit Mock Draft: Lottery Edition

By Michael Dugger

Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2017; Nashville, TN, USA; Kentucky Wildcats guard De'Aaron Fox (0) reacts after making a basket during the second half against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the SEC Conference Tournament at Bridgestone Arena. Kentucky won 79-74. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) dunks during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 93-83. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 10, 2017; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Harry Giles (1) dunks during the second half against the North Carolina Tar Heels during the ACC Conference Tournament at Barclays Center. Duke Blue Devils won 93-83. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

13) Denver Nuggets- Harry Giles, Forward, Duke, Freshman

Stats per game 2016-17: 11.5 MIN/3.9 PTS/57.7 eFG%/ 3.8 REB/ 0.7 BLK/0.3 STL

Measurements from 2017 NBA Draft Combine: 6’10 ½” height with shoes/232 lbs. /7’3 ¼” wingspan/9’1 ½” standing reach

With one of the youngest and brightest rosters in the league built around Nikola Jokic and Jamaal Murray, the Nuggets could afford to take a risk at pick 13. They have a solid young backcourt with Murray, Emmanuel Mudiay, and Gary Harris, so finding an active, athletic defender to play with Jokic would be wise. Harry Giles came into the season as a top-three prospect, but a history of knee surgeries, including an October operation, has seen his stock fall.

When healthy, Giles is an explosive athlete that can guard all five positions. He combines this athleticism with a high motor that allows him to control the glass. His offensive game is a work in progress, but there is enough footage of him handling the ball to see him develop into a dangerous open court player. Jokic is skilled enough offensively to makes plays for himself and others despite Giles’ lack of shooting. This player is a huge risk at the end of the lottery, but Denver can afford it, and he fits a need at the four position.

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