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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) /
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CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Michael Porter Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – MAY 15: NBA Draft Prospect, Michael Porter Jr. poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Combine circuit on May 15, 2018 at the Intercontinental Hotel Magnificent Mile in Chicago, Illinois. 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 the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Final Word

Michael Porter Jr. is a stud. There is a reason he was touted as one of the premier high school players in America and should have been a top-three pick in this year’s Draft.

Even so, the injury concerns may cause teams like the Orlando Magic to shy away from him altogether. The Magic may be desperate for a star and fit the bill president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and general manager John Hammond are looking for, but the risk will likely be too great in their eyes.

The once surefire Lottery pick has now become the Draft’s biggest question mark. His spinal surgery last season has seen him slip from offensive superweapon to uncertainty.

The talent is there, but will his body betray him?

Porter has the ability to become an elite offensive talent. He already has the skills to put up gaudy numbers. A consistent jumper, crafty touch and even a developing post game make him the blueprint player on the wing.

If the Magic are comfortable with Porter’s health (big if), the question for the Magic will be, does Porter fit in? Jonathan Isaac and Aaron Gordon could be the answers for Orlando no the wing, adding Porter could cause problems.

On the flip side, Porter could be the first option the team is so desperate for. He could become the player who jump-starts the offense through his limitless offensive repertoire.

If Orlando decides to have him in for a workout it could decide Porter’s fate with the Magic. A good showing could mean his name being in the conversation at six, but if he falters, it may be a long wait for Porter come Draft night.

Next: 2018 NBA Draft Preview: Who is De'Anthony Melton

Porter is the definition of risk vs. reward. He could be the franchise player Orlando is dying for or another oft-injured player who never lived up to the hype.