2018 NBA Mock Draft: March is finally here

Refreshingly honest and thoughtful coach Cuonzo Martin, who brought Porter into Missouri’s program after he walked away from Washington, said Thursday Porter could play in the Tigers’ next game.

In an interview on the Kevin Wheeler show on ESPN101 in St. Louis, Martin said this:

"“Well, the bottom line with that is, today will be Mike’s third real practice outside of two shootarounds before games,” said Martin. “Today will be his third real practice. He’ll have a practice Friday. Then we’ll make a decision I guess Friday night or Saturday if Mike’s ready to play.”"

Martin has said all along there is no hurry for Porter to return. The team has over-achieved in his absence, and his talent will be difficult to fold in. However, it appears he will play this year after all, if not Saturday then in the SEC and NCAA tournaments. That is exciting news.

The Cavaliers will have an interesting decision to make in June, but Porter is a high-ceiling guy that makes sense as they pick in the lottery for the first time since 2014. He might not survive the summer as a Cavalier, but Porter shouldn’t fall much further than this regardless of where he eventually lands.