New York Knicks: Should Michael Porter Jr. injury change strategy?

Is Michael Porter Jr. Still An Option?

Before answering any other question, one must determine whether or not Michael Porter Jr.’s injury has become too much of a red flag to overlook. One could easily argue that Porter is the type of talent whom the New York Knicks should be willing to take a chance on.

He should still be valued, but the idea of cutting the push for the postseason shorter for Porter would be far more of a risk now than it was before.

Porter is a 6’10” small forward with explosive leaping ability, a 7’0″ wingspan, and intriguing range on his jump shot. He’s capable of attacking off the bounce, working without the ball, and getting out in transition to torment opposing defenses.

For a Knicks team that already has its facilitator of the future in Frank Ntilikina and its go-to scoring option in Kristaps Porzingis, Porter would be a perfect fit on offense.

Defensively, Porter’s size, length, and athleticism permit lockdown potential. The spinal injury has prevented organizations from evaluating the freshman phenom against his peers, but it hasn’t changed how promising the former high school superstar’s game already is.

Porter would still be worth drafting if he shines in workouts and receives a clean bill of health, but tanking to acquire him has become a far less appealing proposition.