NBA Draft 2018: 5 first round prospects on the rise

2. Michael Porter, Jr.

The fact that Porter Jr. has himself in serious consideration at No. 2 and No. 4 given his injury history is nothing short of astounding. He may not ultimately be selected that high, but his agent deserves a ton of credit for generating so much buzz around his client.

The former Missouri player hasn’t even been able to work out for teams due to a mysterious (alleged) hip ailment. His stock should really be dropping like a stone as a result. His serious back injury combined with a troubling hip ailment is enough to terrify team doctors. Nonetheless, he’s one of the most talked about prospects 48 hours ahead of the draft.

Curiously, Porter Jr.’s elevated stock might not actually equate to being selected in the top five. It might, however, result in him being selected by the team he chooses. There have been strong rumors that he’s more concerned about the team that drafts him rather than the number of his selection. Specifically, Chicago has emerged as a hot name as his ideal destination.

NBA GMs are always up for a big time gamble on talent, and that’s what Porter Jr. represents. He’s got the prodigious scoring ability to become a transcendent offensive player. He also has the frail medicals to get a bright general manager fired.

Porter Jr. will enter draft night as the prospect with the most mercurial stock. Don’t be surprised to see him vault in the top five and shock some team’s fan base on Thursday night.