Milwaukee Bucks: Harry Giles selected at 17 in FanSided mock draft

As a part of the FanSided NBA division’s mock draft, Harry Giles was the Behind the Buck Pass’ selection for the Milwaukee Bucks’ 17th overall pick.

While the Milwaukee Bucks and new general manager Jon Horst are now only a day away from being on the clock for picks 17 and 48 in this year’s NBA Draft, here at Behind the Buck Pass we’ve already been through that process.

As just one of 30 NBA team sites around the FanSided network, we took our place in the queue as the group collectively worked their way through the first round of this year’s draft.

There were few surprises at the top of the draft as Markelle Fultz landed with the Sixers first overall, with Lonzo Ball heading to the Lakers, and Justin Jackson joining the Celtics behind him.

When it came to the Bucks’ turn to pick, I was in charge of making the pick on behalf of Behind the Buck Pass, and opted for the high risk, potentially high-reward selection of former Duke Blue Devil Harry Giles.

Here’s the reasoning I gave for that pick as a part of the mock draft:

"“Although with Jabari Parker’s current injury status, there’s good reason for trepidation at the thought of the Bucks taking another player with significant knee problems, Harry Giles would also represent a continuation of a strategy [the Bucks have] had so much success with up to this point.With all obvious guard and wing targets off the board at 17, it makes sense to revert to a best player available strategy. In Milwaukee’s case, best player available has always been about taking the long view and projecting the best player in terms of potential, and Giles certainly fits that mold.Long, athletic and intelligent with a very positive attitude, Giles should fit perfectly alongside the likes of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Thon Maker. At the very least, Giles should be able to develop into a defensive playmaker. Even if injury prevents him from reaching his full potential, a backup big with the former Blue Devil’s size, skill and athleticism would cause chaos for opposing offenses paired alongside Milwaukee’s existing long-armed defenders.On the other hand, maybe Giles can put his injuries behind him and realize the potential that once had him projected as a top pick. For a team on the rise like the Bucks, Giles has the tools to be a trajectory changing star in the mid-first round. Without a more obvious fit available before him, it makes sense to gamble on Giles.”"