NBA Draft 2018: 5 best fits for Michael Porter Jr.

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers high fives head coach Cuonzo Martin as he comes off the court during a game against the Florida State Seminoles during the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /

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CLEVELAND, OH – APRIL 1: Dirk Nowitzki #41 of the Dallas Mavericks watches from the bench during the second half against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena on April 1, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. The Cavaliers defeated the Mavericks 98-87. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Dirk Nowitzki /

2. Dallas Mavericks

Rick Carlisle and company are painfully aware that Dirk Nowitzki can’t play basketball forever. This summer would be a great time for the Mavericks to invest in a long-term replacement for the German star.

Porter Jr. isn’t quite as tall as Dirk, but he does many of the same things on the floor. Both players use their height to elevate and shoot over defenders. Porter Jr. has a long way to go before he equals Nowitzki’s shooting stroke, but he’s probably a better athlete.

Bringing him this summer would give Porter Jr. the added bonus of being able to study Dirk up close and personal for at least a season. The versatile forward would also enjoy working with Dennis Smith Jr. in the pick-and-roll. The two young stars would give Dallas a nice offensive nucleus to build on moving forward.

Sitting at the No. 5 spot in the draft the Mavericks are right in the middle of Porter Jr’s range. They could try to sit tight and hope he falls, but if they really want to make sure they get their man, it will take a slight move up on draft night.

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