It has been over two years since Harry Giles last appeared in an NBA game, so he isn’t taking his opportunity with the Nets for granted, writes Dan Martin of The New York Post. Sidelined since 2021 due to knee problems, Giles is vying for a roster spot on a non-guaranteed training camp deal.
“It’s amazing,” Giles said on Wednesday after making his preseason debut on Monday. “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.”
Giles’ comeback efforts haven’t been lost on his teammates, who admire his perseverance to get back to the NBA. Starting center Nic Claxton referred to Giles’ return as “pretty motivating,” per Martin.
“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.”
With only 13 players on fully guaranteed contracts, the Nets could have two regular season roster spots up for grabs this fall and Giles strengthened his case for one of them on Thursday, scoring 16 points on 8-of-10 shooting and grabbing 10 rebounds (six offensive) in 21 minutes in Brooklyn’s victory over Maccabi Ra’anana.
Here’s more on the NBA’s two New York teams:
- Nets point guard Ben Simmons, coming off the back injury that ended his 2022/23 season, had another encouraging showing in Thursday’s preseason game, racking up six points, nine assists, and six rebounds in 22 minutes. “As he continues to stack days and games together, then his instinctive nature comes out,” head coach Jacque Vaughn said after the game, according to Martin.
- Within the same New York Post story, Martin notes that Nets guard Dennis Smith Jr. left Thursday’s contest due to a sprained left ankle. X-rays were negative, but Smith will undergo additional testing on Friday, per Vaughn.
- Discussing his desire to win an NBA championship, Knicks guard Jalen Brunson told reporters that he doesn’t keep any of his awards – including his NCAA championship ring – around his house, since he doesn’t want to let those reminders of his past success make him complacent, writes Zach Braziller of The New York Post. “You never want to be too into yourself and think too highly of yourself,” Brunson said. “You want to be able to keep growing as a player and that’s just how I’ve been.”
- Although the Knicks are bringing along Josh Hart slowly this preseason, he and the team insist he’s healthy and that the approach has just been about make sure his body feels good after a “long summer.” Braziller has the story and the quotes from Hart and head coach Tom Thibodeau.
Giles deserves it more than Simmons