2018 NBA Mock Draft: The lottery is done and the order is set

PITTSBURGH, PA - MARCH 17: Marvin Bagley III #35 of the Duke Blue Devils celebrates a three point basket against the Rhode Island Rams during the second half in the second round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at PPG PAINTS Arena on March 17, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

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ST LOUIS, MO – MARCH 08: Michael Porter Jr #13 of the Missouri Tigers dribbles the ball 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) /

79. . F. Missouri. Michael Porter Jr.. 5. player

The draw of Porter from Dallas’ perspective should simply be talent. Regardless of what happened during the season with injuries and two weird games in March, Porter entered the NCAA season as one of the top prospects in this class and still has the talent and upside to retain that rank when we look back a couple seasons from now.

Since the time Porter scored 33 points in last year’s EYBL championship and showed out in the 2017 McDonald’s All-American game, it was clear he had go-to scoring potential. He also brings incredible physical attributes relative to his skill level, making it possible he could be a stretch big man, potentially even at center.

From a talent perspective, Dallas’ situation is one of the bleakest in the lottery. They need to be willing to take a chance on the best player available here and figure out how he fits with Dennis Smith Jr. later. It’s remarkable that Dallas could fall one spot in the lottery to No. 5 and still have a chance to draft the guy who might one day be the best player in the draft.

Porter will turn 20 this summer, meaning he’s not quite as young as someone like Jaren Jackson, but still young enough to develop quite a bit before his physical prime. It’s a testament to the depth of this draft that Dallas can add a high upside scorer at five, but it’s also something they should take advantage of.

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