Projection: Top 10
Age: 19 (6/29/1998)
Height, Weight, Wingspan: 6’10.75”, 211 pounds, 7’0.25″
Slash Line: .333/.300/.778
Season Averages: 3 GP, 17.7 MPG, 10.0 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 1.3 ORPG, 1.0 SPG, 1.0 3PM
The New York Knicks are high on Michael Porter Jr., and it’s not exactly difficult to understand the feeling. Porter is one of the most exhilarating talents in this draft class, and he could realistically slide to No. 9 if his back becomes a genuine concern.
Regardless of what transpires, one truth has become abundantly clear about the Knicks’ line of thinking at No. 9: Star potential is a genuine concern.
Porter suffered a mysterious back injury in the first game of the 2017-18 season. He required surgery on two of his spinal discs, which has inevitably created cause for concern as far as his ability to remain healthy in the NBA is concerned.
When Porter is healthy, however, he’s a unique talent who has the potential to be an All-NBA player at the next level.
Porter has elite size for the 3 or the 4, as well as the ability to rebound at a high level. More importantly: He has a tight handle, impressive passing ability, and the touch to knock down the outside shot with relative efficiency.
With his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Porter could be an elite two-way player if a franchise gives him time to develop.
Must Read: The Top 5 combo guards in the 2018 NBA Draft
There’s a chance that Michael Porter Jr. will be a top-five draft pick, but in the event that he’s available for the New York Knicks, he should be the pick.