Harry Giles last played in an NBA game that mattered on May 24, 2021, when he was still on the Trail Blazers and Portland was in the postseason.
So even though Giles’ 11 minutes for the Nets on Monday night against the Lakers came in a preseason game, just being on the court was important for the 2017 first-round pick and one-time top college recruit.
“It’s amazing,” Giles said after practice Wednesday. “A dream come true. The whole game, I was just like in a different world, man. I was out there competing and having fun. Just smiling, man. It’s great to be back. It’s been a long time coming, so I’m blessed.”
The 6-foot-11 center has had his career sidetracked by several knee surgeries, including one for a torn ACL that led to his release by the Clippers in January 2022.
Against the Lakers in Las Vegas on Monday, Giles had four points and four rebounds, as he continues his attempt at a comeback from multiple injuries, dating back to his sophomore year of high school.
“Great to see him get some minutes and play with some physicality,’’ head coach Jacque Vaughn said.
And Vaughn believes Giles’ presence and perseverance can have an impact on his new teammates.
“I think there’s overall an appreciation that in a situation like Harry’s, you’re still hooping and you get to play again,’’ Vaughn said. “And I think it hopefully sends a message to our other guys like, ‘Don’t take this thing for granted.’ ”
Giles clearly isn’t.
He played less than one full season at Duke after the start of his freshman year that was also impacted by knee issues, but Giles was still selected 20th overall by Portland in the 2017 draft before immediately being traded to Sacramento.
In all, Giles has started just 17 games in the NBA.
But opportunities could emerge in Brooklyn for Giles, as the Nets are looking for depth in the frontcourt to go along with Nic Claxton.
“I think you see, whether it was his post-up defense, whether it was his ability to have post-up offense, both in that game you were able to see in limited minutes,’’ Vaughn said. “I think when you’re someone like Harry, in this situation, you just use the most minutes you get and just try to be a positive influence. I think he’s been really good in the locker room and on the floor with us.”
Claxton said Giles’ return to action is “pretty motivating.”
“Knowing his story, knowing where he’s coming from [and] seeing a guy like Harry sticking around and still grinding,’’ Claxton said. “He’s been physical and obviously he knows how to play. He’s been in the league, been around the league, for a while. I think we could definitely use him this year.’’
He’s still getting accustomed again to the “speed and physicality” of the NBA game, but his work in the preseason, as well as the Miami Pro League this summer, has helped.
“You always got to go out there and compete, regardless of what emotions you’re feeling throughout the game and before the game,’’ Giles said. “It’s still basketball, man. Still going out here and doing my job, doing what I know what to do, and just trying to get better each game.”
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