Projecting Duke's 2016-17 Rotation After Harry Giles' Commitment

Duke has set itself up for another great run next season after securing the commitment from 5-star prospect Harry Giles.

The power forward, rated No. 2 in the 2016 class by 247Sports composite rankings, chose the Blue Devils over Kentucky, Kansas and Wake Forest live on SportsCenter, per ESPNU. This adds to an incredible recruiting class that already includes Jayson Tatum, Frank Jackson and Javin DeLaurier.

Adding this to what will likely be a solid returning core of players from the 2015-16 team, the rotation for the following year has a chance to be the best in the nation regardless of what else happens.

Assuming Brandon Ingram leaves for the NBA after one season in Durham and the rest of the underclassmen stay, here is an extremely early look at the 2016-17 rotation for Duke.

PG Derryck Thornton

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Derryck Thornton might not be in the starting lineup early in the season, but he is the best true point guard on the roster and will likely take over this role as the year continues. It's important to remember his current role might be a bit overwhelming for a player who should be entering his senior year of high school.

Although he doesn't yet have the intangibles or feel for the game provided by Tyus Jones, he has excellent quickness and vision that will help him throughout this season.

On the plus side, he will be at Duke for at least two seasons as he continues to develop both physically and mentally. The longer he stays, the better he will be because the talent is absolutely there for him to be one of the best in the nation at his position.

The 6'2" guard is at his best when he is penetrating into the lane and forcing defenses to react. Once he gets comfortable with the offense and is surrounded by tons of talent, Thornton could be a star.

While 2016 recruit Frank Jackson will battle for playing time, the edge will go to the returning player here.

SG Grayson Allen

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Many are expecting a breakout season for Grayson Allen, who averaged just 4.4 points in 9.2 minutes per game as a freshman. The McDonald's All-American was overshadowed by three one-and-done players in the 2015 class, although he did make a huge contribution with 16 points in 21 minutes in the national championship game.

Despite the lack of proven play, ESPN ranked Allen as the No. 34 player overall in the 2015-16 college basketball season. With his talent, this is not out of the question.

The 6'5" guard can shoot from the outside, but he might be at his best when slashing to the rim and using his athleticism to finish at the rim above defenders. With the opportunity now in front of him, he could be one of the go-to options for the Blue Devils.

He should also prepare himself for all the nation-wide hate that goes with it.

SF Jayson Tatum

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Duke is set to continue an incredible run of college-ready wings with the inclusion of Jayson Tatum. Jabari Parker, Justise Winslow and Brandon Ingram all came to Durham as polished players who can play a big role in their first year, and Tatum will be the next in line.

Although he doesn't have the athleticism of the three men ranked above him in 247Sports' composite rankings, Tatum could end up being the best college player of the group. This is mostly due to an elite ability to create his own shot and score in a variety of ways no matter who is defending him.

The 6'8" player can elevate to shoot over smaller defenders while also having the handle to drive into the lane and finish around the basket. There are certainly ways to improve, but at the college level, he should be able to average around 15 points per game if he gets the opportunity.

Assuming Brandon Ingram is one-and-done as expected, Tatum will easily slide right into the role of the departed player.

PF Harry Giles

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This might not be the starting lineup at the beginning of the year with Harry Giles recovering from a torn ACL, per ESPN's Paul Biancardi. The forward had also torn his opposite ACL previously in his high school career and worked his way back.

Duke might want to slow down Giles' path back to the lineup as he gets back to full strength. When he does get back to form, however, the freshman could be as good as anyone in the nation. 

ESPN's Myron Medcalf wasn't worried about the injury or even where he landed. He tweeted before the player's decision, "Giles will be great wherever he goes. Just has to get healthy. But he's so versatile and agile and explosive. So talented."

As a 6'10" player who can score inside, shoot from the outside or break defenders down off the dribble, Giles is one of the most well-rounded big men in years. His versatility and pure upside will be a big factor for Duke at some point in the season.

C Chase Jeter

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For the first time in approximately three decades (possible exaggeration), Duke will be without a Plumlee next season. Marshall Plumlee will graduate along with Amile Jefferson, leaving a void in the frontcourt.

Assuming he doesn't break out and leave for the NBA, Chase Jeter should fill in nicely at center during the 2016-17 season.

No one will confuse Jeter for Jahlil Okafor, who was extremely polished when he stepped on campus. However, the current freshman has a good motor and runs the floor well, plus has the instincts to be a quality rebounder and shot-blocker.

He needs to add some strength to his frame in order to consistently compete in the ACC, but the potential is there for some big games even as a freshman. By the time his sophomore year comes, Jeter could be an all-conference-level player.

Notable Bench Players

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SG Luke Kennard

It's entirely possible Luke Kennard becomes the starting point guard during his freshman season, but he is at his best when playing off the ball, utilizing his skill as a scorer. On a loaded team such as this, Kennard could be an ideal sixth man who comes in for short bursts and puts up points in a hurry.

Even with a bright future as a go-to scoring option, Kennard would be extremely valuable in this role.

PG Frank Jackson

Currently listed as the No. 14 player in the 2016 recruiting class, Frank Jackson will get his minutes when he comes to Duke. The Utah native is an explosive scorer who can do damage with the ball in his hands.

The challenge for him will be becoming more of a distributor at the next level.

SG Matt Jones

One of the few players with significant game experience, Matt Jones averaged 21.7 minutes per game as a sophomore for the 2014-15 national champions. The 6'5" player is a good on-ball defender who can also hit an open shot when given the chance.

While younger players might possess more upside and NBA potential, head coach Mike Krzyzewski will be certain to keep Jones involved in the rotation. 

PF Sean Obi

The Rice transfer should have a useful role this year primarily as a rebounder. Sean Obi finished the 2013-14 season with a defensive rebounding rate of 30.6, the second best in the nation according to KenPom.com.

His offensive play might need to improve, but his work on the glass will be vital during his time in Durham.

PF Javin DeLaurier

Despite being relatively raw on both ends of the court, the 6'9" forward has tons of potential as an athletic big man with a high motor. Javin DeLaurier shows plenty of promise as a shot-blocker and finisher inside, similar to Amile Jefferson but with more upside.

He might be overlooked in the 2016 class alongside more high-profile players, but he will make his presence known before too long.

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