Porter falls to Nuggets at No. 14 amid reported injury concerns
With the No. 14 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Denver Nuggets have selected Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr.
Porter went to Missouri as arguably the favorite for the No. 1 overall selection, but back surgery forced him to miss almost the entire season. He canceled a workout during the pre-draft process due to hip spasms, so there are definitely some injury concerns with the former high school star that caused his stock to fall. Despite those concerns, there's no disputing his talent, as the 6-foot-10 forward is lethal from all over the court.
Provided his health cooperates, Porter will be an impact player from the jump with his shooting prowess. He's a polished offensive player that can handle the ball very well and knows how to get open in the structure of the offense. His length and athleticism give him the chance to be a solid defender at the professional level as well.
Michael Porter Jr. Bio
Position: SF/PF
School: Missouri
College Experience: Freshman
Height: 6-foot-10
Weight: 211 lbs.
Wingspan: 7-foot-0
Max vertical: N/A
Strengths
- Fundamentally-sound shooting stroke with excellent release and soft touch. Can score from all over the floor and makes defenders guard him from 25 feet and in.
- Good handle for a player his size. Can take it the length of the floor in transition or set up in the half-court offense.
- Shows signs of being a solid defender when fully engaged.
- Can turn rebounds into instant fast-break opportunities.
Weaknesses
- Major injury concern after back surgery last year. The recent hip spasm hasn't dampened his draft stock but there's definitely questions as to his overall health.
- While he's adept at handling the ball, his moves in a one-on-one setting leave something to be desired.
- Needs to prove he's a willing passer that can see the floor.
- Seems to avoid contact underneath, limiting his rebounding potential and shot-blocking ability.