Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF, Missouri
Strengths:
Michael Porter Jr. is a scorer. At 6’10”, he has the height to dominate at basically any spot on the court. He can slash from the wing, off the dribble, or off the catch. Porter can also use his length to get easy drives to the basket where he uses his terrific athleticism to posterize defenders. He is great at getting to the free throw line and knocking down his freebies. Lastly, Porter is a fantastic rebounder which can help him get out and score in transition.
Weaknesses:
Despite his supreme talent, Porter has a tendency to force things on offense. He can struggle to make the proper decision at times which can lead to turnovers. Porter is also prone to lapses of concentration on the defensive end. At only 215 pounds, he often shies away from contact, limiting himself on both ends of the court. Again, like the other prospects mentioned before him, these are all things that can be corrected with proper coaching and consistent effort in the gym.
Fit:
At this point, Porter Jr. projects as the best out of all the wing prospects in the 2018 NBA Draft. He can play the stretch four or the more traditional small forward. Earl Watson could slide him in next to Josh Jackson in a very mobile lineup. A group of Eric Bledsoe, Devin Booker, Josh Jackson, Michael Porter and Marquese Chriss would be one of the most versatile five man lineups in the entire league.