Harry Giles is not taking his Nets probability with no consideration

Harry Giles final performed in an NBA recreation that mattered on Might 24, 2021, when he was nonetheless on the Path Blazers and Portland was within the postseason.

So despite the fact that Giles’ 11 minutes for the Nets on Monday night time towards the Lakers got here in a preseason recreation, simply being on the courtroom was necessary for the 2017 first-round decide and one-time high school recruit.

“It’s wonderful,” Giles mentioned after observe Wednesday. “A dream come true. The entire recreation, I used to be identical to in a distinct world, man. I used to be on the market competing and having enjoyable. Simply smiling, man. It’s nice to be again. It’s been a very long time coming, so I’m blessed.”

The 6-foot-11 middle has had his profession sidetracked by a number of knee surgical procedures, together with one for a torn ACL that led to his launch by the Clippers in January 2022.

In opposition to the Lakers in Las Vegas on Monday, Giles had 4 factors and 4 rebounds, as he continues his try at a comeback from a number of accidents, relationship again to his sophomore 12 months of highschool.

“Nice to see him get some minutes and play with some physicality,’’ head coach Jacque Vaughn mentioned.

And Vaughn believes Giles’ presence and perseverance can have an effect on his new teammates.

“I believe there’s general an appreciation that in a scenario like Harry’s, you’re nonetheless hooping and also you get to play once more,’’ Vaughn mentioned. “And I believe it hopefully sends a message to our different guys like, ‘Don’t take this factor with no consideration.’ ”

Giles clearly isn’t.

He performed lower than one full season at Duke after the beginning of his freshman 12 months that was additionally impacted by knee points, however Giles was nonetheless chosen twentieth general by Portland within the 2017 draft earlier than instantly being traded to Sacramento.

In all, Giles has began simply 17 video games within the NBA.

However alternatives might emerge in Brooklyn for Giles, because the Nets are on the lookout for depth within the frontcourt to associate with Nic Claxton.

“I believe you see, whether or not it was his post-up protection, whether or not it was his capability to have post-up offense, each in that recreation you have been capable of see in restricted minutes,’’ Vaughn mentioned. “I believe whenever you’re somebody like Harry, on this scenario, you simply use probably the most minutes you get and simply attempt to be a constructive affect. I believe he’s been actually good within the locker room and on the ground with us.”

Claxton mentioned Giles’ return to motion is “fairly motivating.”

“Understanding his story, realizing the place he’s coming from [and] seeing a man like Harry sticking round and nonetheless grinding,’’ Claxton mentioned. “He’s been bodily and clearly he is aware of play. He’s been within the league, been across the league, for some time. I believe we might positively use him this 12 months.’’

He’s nonetheless getting accustomed once more to the “pace and physicality” of the NBA recreation, however his work within the preseason, in addition to the Miami Professional League this summer time, has helped.

“You at all times bought to go on the market and compete, no matter what feelings you’re feeling all through the sport and earlier than the sport,’’ Giles mentioned. “It’s nonetheless basketball, man. Nonetheless going out right here and doing my job, doing what I do know what to do, and simply attempting to get higher every recreation.”