2018 NBA Mock Draft: Where did the prospects go?

Porter did not leave behind a great final memory for Missouri fans if he does indeed declare for the draft this summer, scoring just two points in the Tigers’ surprise blowout loss to Florida State in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

Missouri fans will wish Porter had been more effective as a scorer in a game where the team put up just 54 points. But NBA scouts might look underneath the surface at a game where Porter also put up six rebounds, five assists and two blocks and be intrigued nevertheless. Porter’s value at the next level will be in how he does things above and beyond that which a normal center does, from shooting to passing to defending smaller players.

Porter’s leaping ability protecting the rim is one concern that showed up often against Florida State, who attacked in transition and used their athletic squad to put pressure on Missouri’s defense. The Seminoles attempted just 15 shots from deep but got to the line 31 times.

When the game arrives on his doorstep, Porter can control it. The Wizards have an infrastructure in place to support his development, but Porter will need to take care and learn how his ground-bound skill set fits into the NBA game, especially alongside superstars like John Wall and Bradley Beal.