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2018 NBA Draft Prospect Report Part 3: Michael Porter Jr.

By Ricky Scricca

PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 7: Michael Porter Jr. #9 of the USA Junior Select Team dunks against the World Select Team during the game on April 7, 2017 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich)
PORTLAND, OR - APRIL 7: Michael Porter Jr. #9 of the USA Junior Select Team dunks against the World Select Team during the game on April 7, 2017 at the MODA Center Arena in Portland, Oregon. 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 License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Sam Forencich) /
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Defense

For me personally, Porter’s defense is one of the most interesting points of contention surrounding his draft stock. He has incredible physical tools and has shown flashes of multi-positional versatility, but his motor can waver, to say the least.

He has a 9-foot standing reach (108 inches), which is on par with many NBA centers. For reference: Michigan State Spartans center Jaren Jackson Jr.’s is 109, Duke Blue Devils forward Marvin Bagley’s 105.5, Duke’s Wendell Carter’s 108 and New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis’ 108.

Because head-to-toe size has little bearing on whether a player can block or deter shots, standing reach is far more practical than height when evaluating rim protection. Considering Porter’s impressive measurements, his mobility and his ability to get up off of two feet, one would think he has considerable upside as a frontcourt defender.

In the video above, Bagley tries to take Porter one-on-one, but Porter’s standing reach is on full display, as he holds his ground without fouling and forces ugly miss because of Bagley’s inability to back him down, get around him or shoot over him.

He has also shown flashes as a help defender, frequently rotating over to block shots in international play.

Exhibit B:

And exhibit C:

Again, although he is not explosive, he is more mobile than most big men. Porter can get up quickly off two feet and has impressive reach and has displayed solid instincts when engaged.

“When engaged” is the caveat here. His motor leaves a lot to be desired.

Take this clip for example. He jogs back in transition, does not get into a stance, lazily swipes at a pass and does not try to box out.

The issues with defensive effort are well-documented. But at times he has also struggled to defend smaller guards despite his seven-foot wingspan.

He is a little slow rotating his hips and does not sit down in his defensive stance as much as one would like when defending the ball.

In the video above, he manages to recover and contest. But that footwork simply will not cut it against NBA athletes and ball handlers. This clip is a more egregious (and less referee-obstructed) example of his slow hip rotations and hunched stance.

That said, if Porter is playing power forward, he does not necessarily need to lock down guards to be an effective defensive option.

Having equity as a weakside help defender and shot blocker is more than enough to indicate potential to add positive value to that end. But in the event he improves his quickness and mechanics defending on the perimeter, that makes him all the more tantalizing as a modern NBA four.