2018 Orlando Magic NBA Draft Preview: Who is Michael Porter Jr.?
By Ryan Doyle
![NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers reacts against the Florida State Seminoles during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Michael Porter Jr. #13 of the Missouri Tigers reacts against the Florida State Seminoles during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c635d06bda23f77d8cc04b211d28eb2bc59c2c38f97410f8e8dddd4c00f11ad9.jpg)
The Good
Michael Porter Jr. has the tools to become a scoring machine. He has the skills of a guard and the jump shot to go along with it. He is a walking mismatch.
Forwards are not tall enough to contest his jump shot and centers are too slow-footed to stay on him on the perimeter.
The rare combination of size and a perimeter-centric game have everyone drooling over what could be with Porter.
Out of high school, Porter was praised for his refined shooting ability. Whether a catch-and-shoot situation or a pull-up jumper, Porter was knock down. He never had the chance to prove the scouts right as he shot just 33 percent from the field and 30 percent from three in his handful of games.
Porter’s shooting stroke is mechanically sound as well. It should not hinder his success at the NBA level. His high release will allow him to shoot over most defenders.
His strong ability from the outside allows him openings closer to the rim. Porter is not one to drive and play above the rim. But he has the ability to beat defenders and get to the rim if they are too concerned with his outside shot.
Porter is crafty on drives and has a soft touch. Rather than throw down, Porter uses his length to either draw a foul of finish around defenders.
Porter is not an athletic freak by any means, but he has the quickness and length not only be a mismatch on offense.
In today’s NBA where switching is key, Porter has the tools to be a strong defender. With the height to guard fours, but the agility to cause problems for quicker guards.
Although Porter is not overly physical, he did make his presence felt on the glass snagging just shy of seven boards per contest last season at Missouri.