According to The Athletic’s Shams Charania, the Charlotte Hornets have signed big man Harry Giles to a one-year contract. Giles, a North Carolina native, split time last season with the Brooklyn Nets and Los Angeles Lakers. On the year, he averaged 2.4 points and 1.3 rebounds.
Free agent center Harry Giles has agreed to a one-year deal with the Charlotte Hornets, his agent Daniel Hazan of Hazan Sports Management told @TheAthletic. The Duke alum and North Carolina native returns home for a chance to compete for a roster spot with the Hornets. pic.twitter.com/qAGnePDZPL
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) September 22, 2024
Giles spent one year of college at Duke from 2016 to 2017. With Duke, he averaged 3.9 points and 3.8 rebounds per game. Though his collegiate numbers were unspectacular, Giles was drafted 20th overall by the Portland Trail Blazers in 2017. Portland ultimately flipped Giles to the Sacramento Kings immediately afterward, however.
In 2016, Giles was the No. 1 prospect in that year’s high school class, per ESPN. Furthermore, he was ranked second by Scout.com and Rivals, with only Josh Jackson ranking higher.
Charlotte Hornets Sign Former Duke Big Man
How Harry Giles Could Fit in Charlotte
Currently, it is unknown what the details of Giles’ contract are with Charlotte. However, he should be in a good position to compete for a roster spot regardless. The Hornets are pretty thin in the frontcourt, especially at center. They are currently slated to start third-year big man Mark Williams at center. Additionally, the Hornets’ current backup center, Nick Richards, is solid as well. However, the Hornets could be eying more depth beyond the two young big men.
Taj Gibson, who signed with the team this offseason, is likely Charlotte’s third-string center. Gibson is 39 years old and only appeared in 20 games last season. This includes a stint with the Detroit Pistons, where he only played four games. For Charlotte, it is likely in their best interest to look at other options for their third center spot. With the Giles signing, it seems that this is exactly what they are doing.
A Charlotte Hornets Offseason Recap Following Harry Giles Signing
Last season, the Hornets ended with a 21-61 record. This was their worst finish since finishing with the same record during the 2012-13 season. While they are a longshot to make the playoffs next season, the Hornets improved this summer.
Charlotte drafted Tidjane Salaun with the sixth pick this year, who could make an immediate impact on the team. Furthermore, the Hornets acquired Josh Green in the blockbuster six-team sign-and-trade that sent Klay Thompson to the Dallas Mavericks. The Hornets also re-signed Miles Bridges and Seth Curry this offseason.
On the flip side, the Hornets moved on from some players as well. Most notably, the Hornets waived Davis Bertans, who averaged 8.8 points in 28 games with the team last season. The Hornets also waived Aleksej Pokusevski, who joined the EuroLeague this offseason.
