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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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Michael Porter Jr.
Michael Porter Jr. /

Analyzing Fit

If some of these strengths and criticisms sound familiar, you are not crazy. Decision-making, defense despite physical tools, toughness, explosiveness and finishing were all concerns raised about Jayson Tatum in the draft process.

Tatum also had similar selling points: scoring polish and versatility, excellent size, good mechanics and upside as a two-way Swiss army knife.

Andrew Wiggins also had many of these pluses and minuses. But in the end, only one of those two has gone on to realize their defensive potential and use their offensive skills in a manner conducive to winning alongside more talented players.

Tatum and Wiggins’ careers are very young, but their trajectories illustrate how important coaching and situation is in getting a player to realize his upside. It is hard not to see those two as touchstones for determining Porter’s range of NBA outcomes.

Porter would be best served going to a situation similar to Tatum’s, where he can be used as more of an ancillary offensive threat within a scheme, cutting, finishing, spotting up and providing positive playmaking value while occasionally taking advantage of favorable mismatches, and playing and defending multiple positions.

If he feels similarly, Porter holds some leverage in the form of his medical records. Teams may pass on him if he chooses to withhold that information. To some limited extent, he may be able to choose his destiny.

If Porter is thrust into a primary offensive role from the outset, that could bring to the surface his biggest warts as a prospect. It could entrench him into his bad defensive effort and offensive decision-making habits, like Wiggins and the desultory Minnesota Timberwolves of 2014-17.

Let’s make one thing clear: the Orlando Magic are a lot more like the 2014 Minnesota Timberwolves than the 2017 Boston Celtics. Orlando might not be the best situation for Porter.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Slightly less concerning is his fit alongside Aaron Gordon and Jonathan Isaac. Although all three are best at power forward, their skills are complementary in many ways, especially considering Porter’s creation, shooting and ball-handling skills. All three can defend multiple positions and be effective help defenders.

It is not a seamless fit. But it does fit with this front office’s affinity for frontcourt players with seven-foot wingspans.

The Magic are also not able to draft primarily based on need or fit. Those things should always be considered, but John Hammond and Jeff Weltman have made it clear they are not absolutely committed to anyone currently on this roster.

If Porter is the best player on the board, it makes plenty of sense to snag him, assuming the injuries are not more severe than currently understood.

How he will use his incredible tools in the NBA will determine if his career resembles one of his inspirations, Tracy McGrady, or that of a player dogged with effort and intensity questions everywhere he goes.

Next: 2018 Draft Profiles: Trae Young

It is hard, if not impossible to make a prediction on that without knowing him personally. But rest assured, wherever he goes, he will find a way to get buckets.