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2018 NBA Mock Draft: A full first round following National Championship Game

By Maxwell Ogden

SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
SAN ANTONIO, TX - APRIL 02: Mikal Bridges #25 of the Villanova Wildcats cuts down the net after defeating the Michigan Wolverines during the 2018 NCAA Men's Final Four National Championship game at the Alamodome on April 2, 2018 in San Antonio, Texas. Villanova defeated Michigan 79-62. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers plays against Braian Angola #11 of the Florida State Seminoles during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN – MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers plays against Braian Angola #11 of the Florida State Seminoles during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

Missouri Tigers. Michael Porter Jr.. 7. player. 156. . Forward

Age: 19 (6/29/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10”, 215 pounds, 7’0″
Slash Line: .333/.300/.778
Season Averages: 3 GP, 10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 ORPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 3PM

The Cleveland Cavaliers have a laundry list of options here, but the top priority should be addressing the point guard position. Whether fortunately or unfortunately, that priority is offset by the presence of a player who could either replace or complement LeBron James.

Michael Porter Jr. certainly has question marks following an injury-plagued freshman season, but he’s a naturally gifted talent with franchise player potential.

Porter is a 6’10” forward with a 7’0″ wingspan and high-level athleticism. He wasn’t able to display the latter trait during the 2018 NCAA Tournament, but that’s due almost entirely to the fact that it was just his second game since suffering what should have been a season-ending back injury.

When healthy, Porter can take his man off the bounce, get out into the open court with relative ease, and finish above the rim without trouble.

Offensively, Porter has range on his jump shot, a tight handle, and the ability to finish in traffic. Defensively, he can pick up players at either forward position, rebound at a strong rate, and make plays in the passing lanes.

Porter has Paul George potential in the NBA, which is reason enough for the Cavaliers to make this selection—with or without James’ presence.

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