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Michael Porter Jr. could slide in NBA Draft over medical concerns

By Patrick Schmidt

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: NBA draft prospect, Michael Porter Jr rides the bus to attend the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: NBA draft prospect, Michael Porter Jr rides the bus to attend the 2018 NBA Draft on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Michael Porter Jr. could have a long wait to hear his name at the NBA Draft.

At this time a year ago, it was expected Michael Porter, Jr. would be one of the candidates to be the top overall pick in the NBA Draft. Today, however, the former No. 1 recruit faces an uncertain future as teams question his health and medical history and it could result in him dropping in the first round.

Porter played as much in college as you or me as he battled a hip and back injury that prevented the former top recruit from showcasing his athleticism and ability on the court. He likes to think he’s got the game of Kevin Durant and Tracy McGrady, but if he can’t get on the court to prove that, he could be a boom or bust prospect.

It’s understandable why several NBA general managers would be hesitant to spend a lottery pick on him, despite his tantalizing potential. Even in a league where potential outweigh production, the risk is seemingly outweighing the reward.

As a Bulls fan, I was hoping Porter would be on their radar. He has a high ceiling and thought he could develop into a perennial All-Star. If he was on the board at No. 7, I thought he would have been the best option for them. He’s a skilled shooter for a big man and can handle the ball. He has a legit game but if the Bulls or other teams in the lottery aren’t comfortable with the medical, he could slide out of the lottery and find himself on a playoff team.

I think there are general managers too afraid of taking Porter who could end up costing them their job if his health betrays him. Then again, a bold GM who does take him could end up with the best player in the draft when we look back at this class in a few years.

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At some point, the risk will be worth it. Whether that’s at No. 7 or No. 9 or in the teens, some team is going to take Porter and his health is going to be one of the biggest question marks heading into the 2018-2019 season.

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