2019 NBA Mock Draft: Charlotte moves up thanks to a Tankathon simulation
G. USC. Kevin Porter Jr.. 13. player. 110.
Most of the year, we’ve slotted Guinean forward Sekou Doumbouya into this spot, believing the Heat’s culture and system would maximize the extremely young prospect. Yet looking closer, as few managed to bump their stock up in any major way during the NCAA Tournament, there’s a real chance Doumbouya finds his way into the top ten of this draft, beyond the reach of the Heat.
Porter Jr. is a nice consolation prize. He also represents an even larger test of the Miami culture coming off a season in which he clearly battled with USC coach Andy Enfield and the Trojans’ staff and saw his playing time fluctuate greatly all year. Porter’s decision-making deserves some of the blame for his lack of playing time, but it’s not as if USC’s other options were leading them to greatness. The Trojans missed the tourney this season, likely in part because of their resistance to playing Porter heavy minutes.
The lesson may not have rubbed off on Porter, but you have to assume Enfield was taking a stand more in an effort to show Porter’s teammates he wouldn’t tolerate mistakes on or off the court. Will any experiences Porter had as a freshman translate to the NBA? It’s hard to tell, but Miami is a better landing spot than most for someone entering the league with concerns about work ethic and mindset.
The Heat could also really use a player with Porter’s skill set. If they can’t find a point guard in this draft, they can move forward with Goran Dragic and their various secondary playmakers and let guys like Porter, Josh Richardson and Justise Winslow continue to spread their wings.