Michael Porter Jr. is a high-risk, high-reward prospect the Nuggets were right to choose

It was only a year ago that Michael Porter Jr. was on top of the basketball universe. He was easily the best hooper in high school basketball; it wasn’t a debate. And he was primed to set the court on fire as an undoubted one-and-done at Missouri.

But just two minutes into his first game as a Tiger, Porter checked out. He put an ice pack on his hip, an injury a team spokesman deemed a “tweak.” The basketball world didn’t see him again until March 3. That hip injury morphed into herniated discs — yes, multiple — in Porter’s back that required virtual season-ending surgery. The highly anticipated freshman season never happened. He played the final two games of the season and ended his college career with averages of 10 points per game on poor shooting percentages.

That’s not who he is.

Porter Jr. was incredibly selective in disclosing his medical records, which ultimately cost him several spots in the draft. But if he’s healthy, and if that health reverts his body back to the player we saw in high school, the NBA had better get ready. Porter is a 6’10 forward with point guard ball skills, elite athleticism and range out to the NBA three-point line. If you could create a MyPlayer in NBA 2K18, he would probably be just like Porter — except without the scary back injury history.

The Nuggets took a chance on Porter at No. 14, and if he stays on the court, there’s no reason he can’t become the star we expected him to be. It’s a risky choice, but his upside is an offer the Nuggets just couldn’t refuse.

Don’t judge Michael Porter Jr. too harshly off his return to Missouri
By Matt Ellentuck, March 8, 2018

Missouri and Porter waited four long months for this moment, and it’s important to remember all he’s gone through before playing just his second collegiate game ever. It was also on a huge stage in the SEC Tournament. The odds for him to play well were stacked against him.

Michael Porter Jr. has an injury history. He could still be a NBA superstar.
By Matt Ellentuck, May 17, 2018

At 6’10 with a seven-foot wingspan, Porter has the ideal frame for a combo forward. That’s where he’ll fit in the league during a time when those players are valuable more than ever. It’s possible to see his fit as a franchise cornerstone.

2018 NBA Draft Prospect Profiles: Michael Porter Jr.
By Ball from Grace, Grizzly Bear Blues

Even more encouraging than his handle is Porter’s jump shot. Porter’s shot is clean and smooth, and he’s comfortable shooting off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations. The question will be whether the shot returns. In his brief time post-injury, Porter’s shot never quite looked like what it had been. He required elevation to shoot; the lift wasn’t there in his two Missouri games.

What do NBA fans need to know about Michael Porter Jr?
Josh Matejka, Rock M Nation

If you noticed in his strengths section, there are a lot of, “good, not great” qualities listed. His handle, athleticism, physicality, and rebounding have all been more than enough to overpower everyone he’s ever played; he even looked pretty good when injured at Missouri. But as with any professional league, everyone is the best of the best. How those traits play against NBA defenders remains to be seen. Porter’s defense has also been questioned in the past. It’s not that he’s a particularly bad defender; he’s just never had to go full-stop against any of his peers. With his length and athleticism, he’ll be asked to guard a lot of scorers, so he’ll need to shake those concerns quickly.