Fansided

2018 NBA Mock Draft: Way too early edition

By Chris Stone

Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Providence, RI, USA; Boston Celtics president of basketball operations Danny Ainge (left) speaks to fans during the first half of a game between the Providence Friars and the Marquette Golden Eagles at Dunkin Donuts Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 10, 2016; North Augusta, SC, USA; Mokan Elite player Michael Porter Jr. (1) drives to the basket while being defended by PSA Cardinals player Deng Gak (22) during the first half of the Nike Peach Jam Finals at Riverview Park Activity Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 10, 2016; North Augusta, SC, USA; Mokan Elite player Michael Porter Jr. (1) drives to the basket while being defended by PSA Cardinals player Deng Gak (22) during the first half of the Nike Peach Jam Finals at Riverview Park Activity Center. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michael Porter Jr.

SF, Missouri

Let’s start with a pact. Every year, it seems like we compare at least one prospect in the NBA Draft to Kevin Durant. In 2016, it was Brandon Ingram, the tall, lanky wing from Duke who could score a bit in isolations and shoot some 3s. In 2017, it was Jonathan Isaac, until everybody realized that the 6-foot-11 forward out of Florida State wasn’t the same type of high usage offensive player that Durant was. This year, someone somewhere is going to compare Michael Porter Jr. to Kevin Durant because he is a tall forward who will score a lot of points. Let’s make a pact to not do that.

Porter is a very good prospect in his own right and he fits the mold of combo forwards that have become more popular in the NBA. At 6-foot-10 and 216 pounds with a 7-foot wingspan, he has the size for the profile. Porter is an elite level scorer who can create his own shot off the dribble. Given the value that NBA teams place on wing scoring, that alone makes him a solid prospect. He also has a decent 3-point shot, can rip and run off of defensive rebounds and has the athleticism and acumen to chase down offensive boards.

Porter will have an opportunity to showcase himself next year with the Missouri Tigers. The team was in desperate need of a rebuild and Porter will have the ability to dominate the ball offensively. Expect him to put him impressive per game numbers on a very high usage.