Los Angeles Lakers: Complete 2018 NBA Draft first round grades
Michael Porter Jr.. 14. player. 73. . Forward. Missouri
One of the surprises in the draft was the fall of Michael Porter Jr. in the draft. Just prior to the draft, it was announced that teams were concerned with the health reports for Porter. After missing nearly the entire season in college, Porter’s health is going to be questioned. However, he is a Top 5 talent when healthy.
Prior to getting hurt in a workout, Porter was projected by many to still be taken in the Top 5 despite essentially not playing last year. For the Nuggets, taking Porter with the 14th pick is a risky pick, but one that could pay off big time.
The Nuggets were very close to being a playoff team last season and if Porter is healthy, they will be getting a player that could be an All-Star one day. Since Porter was snubbed by many teams, he will be coming to Denver with a chip on his shoulder. As a player that has the potential of Porter, giving him extra motivation could be a scary thing.
The success or failure of this pick will ultimately be decided by whether or not Porter stays healthy. Even though there are certainly some risks, this could be a pick that puts the Nuggets in a great position for years to come.