Before the 2017-2018 season began, no one would have been surprised if Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. dominated at the college level en route to becoming the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. After an injury cost him the vast majority of his one and only collegiate season, Porter isn’t expected to be in the mix when the Phoenix Suns make the first selection on June 21. But in speaking at the NBA Draft Combine, the uber-talented prospect indicated that he believes that will be a mistake.
Nick Friedell of ESPN caught up with Porter and brings word from the one-and-done standout that he is “100 percent” after a highly-scrutinized back injury. Beyond that, Porter firmly believes he is the top prospect available.
“I know without a doubt that I’m the — I played against all these guys, they’re all great players — but I’m the best player in this draft,” Porter said. “And I just can’t wait to show what I’m capable of.”
Of course, it isn’t breaking news that an elite prospect would be confident about his ability and most first round-level players would have a similar belief when prompted to rate themselves against the competition. Still, Porter didn’t shy away in the slightest from the notion of his potential and went on to explain that his injury was actually bothersome well before his freshman season in college.
“I hurt my back sophomore year of high school, going up for a dunk the guy kind of undercut me, fell on my back,” Porter told ESPN. “I tried to play the next day. I should have just rested. All that compensation [for the injury] in the gym just [made it] worse and worse. When I had to have the surgery, I kind of just viewed it as a blessing, like a new start, like I could really reach my full potential. [Experts] had me as the No. 1 player in high school, but I didn’t even feel like I was at 100 percent, but I do now, so I’m just excited to show everybody the player that I am, and I’m still the best player.”
Medical reports will be crucial when evaluating Porter Jr., especially on the heels of a brief stint on the floor at Missouri that did not showcase his top level of performance. On one hand, it is easy to see why scouts could fall in love with Porter, who measured at 6’11 at the combine and possesses the ability to create for himself as a primary offensive option. On the other, it is unquestionably scary to select a prospect with lingering back issues and doubly tough to convince ownership when considering the risks of recurrence.
Still, Porter brings a skill set that only Slovenian prospect Luka Doncic can display in this class as a perimeter force with great size and on-ball ability, leaving many to think he could be the steal of the draft if he slips on the board and proves to be healthy. It is entirely possible that a team will hit a home run when selecting Michael Porter Jr. outside of the top three picks in the draft and, if you ask the impressive combo forward, he’ll be happy to tell you he agrees.
