5 players whose stock went up at the NBA Draft Combine

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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 08: Michael Porter Jr #13 of the Missouri Tigers watches the action against the Georgia Bulldogs during the second round of the 2018 SEC Basketball Tournament at Scottrade Center on March 8, 2018 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

1. Michael Porter, Jr.

The Missouri forward had a nightmare freshman season for the Tigers. He was injured in the first game and then he rushed back to return at the end of the year. Nothing about his play in college did anything to improve his draft stock.

The Draft Combine gave him an opportunity to establish some much-needed positive momentum. Mission accomplished. Porter, Jr. checked in at almost 6-foot-11. Add that to his wingspan of just over 7-feet and Porter Jr. now can project as either a three or four at the next level.

In a league where creating mismatches is all the rage, Porter Jr. projects as a player who can do that for the team that drafts him. If he can confirm his reputation as an outstanding long-range shooter in workouts he might be able to work his way back into the top five. That would be a terrific accomplishment for a player who only managed 53 minutes of basketball during his freshman season.

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Assuming his medicals check out, Michael Porter Jr. could be one of the most interesting players to watch as the Draft approaches. Bigs that can score and stretch the floor are a necessity in today’s NBA. Porter, Jr. may be the best stretch four in this year’s draft class.

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