Redrafting the 2018 NBA Draft: Elite playmakers and modern bigs
27. . F. New York Knicks. Michael Porter Jr. . 9. player
It’s hard to find a rising star more confounding and fascinating than Michael Porter Jr., the former No. 1 recruit who has battled potentially chronic back injuries to arrive at his current pivotal moment in Denver. The Nuggets’ future as a contender hinges largely on Porter’s development, and there’s no doubt that the 24-year-old (health permitting) has the juice to deliver on mile-high expectations.
The appeal with Porter is pretty simple. He’s 6-foot-10 and he’s one of the best shooters in the sport. There’s not much else to it: players with his size and shooting touch simply do not come around often. Porter doesn’t need much space to get his shot off thanks to his high release point, making him equally dangerous spotting up or pulling up off the dribble. The pre-draft Kevin Durant comparisons were always a fool’s errand, but Porter’s size and shot versatility do make him a uniquely dominant offensive weapon.
Porter’s supreme efficiency and ability to crash the glass make him a top-notch complementary star. The next step is broadening the rest of his skill set. Porter can score in bunches, but he doesn’t provide much as a passer. He’s not comfortable looking for teammates on the move and, to make matters worse, he’s quite bad on defense.
Ultimately, Porter’s defensive development is what will determine the extent of his NBA stardom. He has all the tools: a long 6-foot-10 frame with plenty of athleticism left in the tank. But, Porter’s effort and awareness are nowhere close to the necessary levels right now. He’s an easy target for prepared offenses and the kind of player who is liable to flame out in the postseason because of it. His upside is clear as day, but will Porter put in the work necessary to unlock it?