Michael Porter Jr

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
r
So this is going to sound pretty unauthentic, but I promise it's true. I work for a major commercial real estate company that handles a lot of the Kings leasing needs. We helped move them out of their old office in downtown to their new one in Kimpton Sawyer. As such, a lot of the brokers I work with know some of the people in the Kings organization. No one at the very top, but just some general affiliates. Today one of our older brokers in my office comes back in and tells me he just had lunch with a group of guys, one of them being a member of the Kings executive marketing team.. This broker is very well known in town and is ingrained in various high end social circles so I have no reason to doubt this. He told me that this guy told him that the Kings are out on Doncic and are zeroed in on Porter. I called BS and didn't think that this guy was really in the know until I saw this Sam Amick report.

Still take with a massive grain of salt because this guy isn't directly a part of the front office and could've also been repeating what he's been hearing from talking heads, but i figured after this report was posted by Amick it was worth sharing.
The Kings executive marketing team doesn't know what Vlade is thinking. If he did and he spilled it to anyone, he would lose his job.

It's like all those rumors that came out from minority owners and then ended up all being false. ;)
 
I've given Vlade A LOT of latitude. I think most fans have. If he gambles the fortunes of this franchise on the numerous unknowns that come with Michael Porter -- that might well be the final straw for me.

It's bad enough that there's no real college film on him and the limited film we do have from HS, all-star games, AAU, etc. isn't all that impressive -- but when you add the unknowns of his back injury, long term health AND that there's other viable options available in Luka Dončić and Marvin Bagley -- it's just an awful gamble. Especially for a franchise that's been short on good luck over the years.

Shake yourself Vlade!!! Dončić and Bagley are the safer picks with much of the same upside.
 

VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
Guys - Sam didn't really say anything. He made a tweet about a logical assumption. He didn't use "a reliable source" or even "I've heard that" ... All he said was the obvious. It doesn't mean Porter ... or Doncic ... or Bagley. It doesn't really tell us anything more than we've already known which is pretty much nothing. :p

Pace yourselves. You're gonna go up in flames if you don't.
 
It sure brings up a lot of questions, doesn't it? WHY would he cancel and not just postpone? I truly think there's something in those physical reports he's afraid of.
Now is it just the workout that’s cancelled, or the prominent back surgeon checking him out and providing his feedback to teams? Sorry if this was in the article, I didn’t pull it up yet
 
Now is it just the workout that’s cancelled, or the prominent back surgeon checking him out and providing his feedback to teams? Sorry if this was in the article, I didn’t pull it up yet
Entire workout is cancelled. We don't have a lot of details, but the workout is supposed to be rescheduled. Lots of fish fishy things going on around the MPJ camp.

I see so many red flags... I hope the Kings do too...
 
Guys - Sam didn't really say anything. He made a tweet about a logical assumption. He didn't use "a reliable source" or even "I've heard that" ... All he said was the obvious. It doesn't mean Porter ... or Doncic ... or Bagley. It doesn't really tell us anything more than we've already known which is pretty much nothing. :p

Pace yourselves. You're gonna go up in flames if you don't.
But it's not just Amick. It's the combination of several things that's worrisome.
  • Kings radio media (Peaches, DC) have been all but prepping Kings fans for a Porter selection
  • Jerry Reynolds was on the Rise Guys saying that if his back checks out, Porter is likely the best player in the draft
  • Bobby Jackson (allegedly) is giving off hints that Porter is the guy
  • Amick's tweets are hinting at it
  • James Ham mocking him to the Kings
I'm officially a very worried Kings fan.

I got over the Boogie trade. But risking the future and one-time #2 pick on a guy like Porter would put me in position to just not care anymore.

There's a reason this franchise has been terrible during most of it's tenure in Sacramento and why they've been awful the past 10+ seasons. They rarely have anybody in the front office that knows what the hell they are doing. Drafting Porter would be just another link (a very large one at that) in the chain.

Even if Porter's back wasn't an issue at all -- I still don't see how you take that risk. I believe it was @funkykingston who pointed out that there is no visual evidence out there that supports Porter as a top 2-3 prospect. There just isn't. When the back issue is piled on top of it, it's a really high risk and unwarranted decision to make. Then again, that's been the Kings draft history since 2011.
 
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The post you quoted wasn't about him dominating high school. It was about the fact that regardless of the level of competition he very rarely was able to beat a defender off the dribble. He could raise up and shoot over anyone but drafting a wing at #2 whose primary value is scoring but can't attack the rim off the bounce is concerning.

Honestly I think the talk of Michael Porter at #2 is unbelievable really.

Shabazz Muhammad was a #1 overall recruit out of high school. Skal was top 5 if not top 2 or 3. There's a reason GMs want to see these kids against a higher level of competition. Often it confirms what we know. Sometimes it shows that a kid wasn't as good as we thought.

But the idea that the Kings would take a kid who not only didn't play a meaningful game at the college level (considering the tape from the two Missouri games hurts him more than ignoring them) but missed the season due to back surgery is crazy. And the idea that the surgery not only left him good as new but will actually help fix a major concern of his game - his upright posture while dribbling and not being able to sit in a proper defensive stance - is crazier still.

If Porter goes 5-8 and turns into a star I'd never hold it against the Kings for choosing to not take that risk.

But if they were to take him at #2 and he were to turn out to be a poor player or bust either due to recurring back injuries or just not succeeding on the NBA level I'd absolutely hold it against them. It's a risk not worth taking when there are other (I'd argue better) talents that both have good game tape on the NCAA (or Euroleague) level and don't have an injury history.
Thank you!
How does harry Giles mixtape have him getting to the rim but Porter can’t
 
I would be fine with Porter had we stayed at 7, that's the area to take a risk on someone like Porter.

Taking him at 2 is too much of a risk. Not enough tape, injury history, clear holes in his game. There's no point parroting what many others have said, but taking him at 2 would seriously pee me off. Take Luka or Bagley and call it a day. We absolutely cannot afford to miss on this pick.
 
Speaking of fits Porter is a black hole
Doesn't matter. This current regime of Vivek and now Vlade has proven that they can't evaluate talent, so they wouldn't know any better.

Other than Fox and WCS (who aren't guaranteed to work out either), they've done this:
  • Ben McLemore
  • Nik Stauskas
  • Georgios Papagiannis
Then add in the FA signings, coaching decisions, pick swaps, and Cousins trade and there isn't much for a Vivek/Vlade supporter to hang their hat on. Yeah, Vlade wasn't around for all of it --- but he's been here (and responsible) for a lot of it.

Already on very, very shaky ground, if they select a guy that looks markedly inferior to Dončić and Bagley while also having back concerns -- it seals the deal that they haven't the faintest clue. Some might argue that time already passed a while ago.
 
I would be fine with Porter had we stayed at 7, that's the area to take a risk on someone like Porter.
I used to share the same mindset. But after watching more and more of Porter -- I just don't see proof of a top 10 player. Hell, Skal Labissière was once a top prospect coming out of HS too. But he didn't end up as a lottery pick and thus far hasn't proven that he should have been.

Porter has the measureables. And the athleticism. But that's it. At this point in time, he hasn't shown the skillset to be a top 3 pick, let alone top 10. Poor handles, can't get by defenders, suspect defense. Shooting might be the only good, great or elite skill he has.

His back is just the cherry on top. While the kid MAY end up a star -- the immense risk isn't worth the reward. Not for a franchise that is in desperate need of a sure thing. It's about minimizing risk at this point.
 
I used to share the same mindset. But after watching more and more of Porter -- I just don't see proof of a top 10 player. Hell, Skal Labissière was once a top prospect coming out of HS too. But he didn't end up as a lottery pick and thus far hasn't proven that he should have been.

Porter has the measureables. And the athleticism. But that's it. At this point in time, he hasn't shown the skillset to be a top 3 pick, let alone top 10. Poor handles, can't get by defenders, suspect defense. Shooting might be the only good, great or elite skill he has.

His back is just the cherry on top. While the kid MAY end up a star -- the immense risk isn't worth the reward. Not for a franchise that is in desperate need of a sure thing. It's about minimizing risk at this point.
He's a career 32% three point shooter, his "elite" skill is the same percentage Doncic has shot this year as the primary guy in the Euroleague and it's considered one of Doncic's areas that need improvement. I just can't comprehend taking a guy whose best skill is equivalent to a "weakness" for another guy on the board who does SO MUCH MORE for you in a basketball game. This ain't 6'10 Ray Allen folks.
 
Okay so I’ve watched and known MPJ sense he was in the 8th grade. I’ve also played pickup ball with him once.

Michael Porter Jr is the truth. He’s been the best player everywhere he has played and by a large margin(even when he played Aau with Trae Young). No lie he could have been a top 5 pick in last years draft. In Missouri, people considered Porter Jr better than Tatum growing up. The injury hurt Porters stock, but there is a reason why Brandon Roy called him a future superstar. Cunzo Martin compared him to KG/AD before he got injured.

When you look at MPJ he comes from a great basketball family. He’s never had to look over his back, not a guy who has ever been in the hood. Family is very clean no drugs at all. Parents were really strict. His sisters played at Mizzou, lil bro Jontay a lottery pick next year , 6’9 15yr old bro + 2 more hoopers all they do is play basketball. Your not going to have to worry about Porter wanting to get better or having a drive.

Now Michael Porter as a basketball player? He’s extremely athletic. I think people are underlooking his athletsism. You see what Tatum is doing , and Porter is much more athletic. You can play Porter at the 2,3,4 or 5 at times. He’s a floor spacer. Pick & pop would be deadly with Fox. Someone who will be an easy lob target. Porter is an elite shooter with deep range, it’s a shame he couldn’t showcase that this season. His ability to shoot over smaller and less athletic defenders is much like KD or Gerald Green.

Porters game is still devloping. You’ve got to remember he’s been the best player where ever he has gone (HS, Curry Camp, Team USA, AAU) Best believe he was going to continue in college. If he came to the Kings he would be your leading scorer and best player.
 
Why is porter considered a go to score weak handles and just like Doncic he is an average above average athlete.


Look at this video dude can’t even get to the rim on 1 on 1. Pulls up for mid range shots all the time and looks robotic too. This is embarrassing for an alleged scorer look at what he resorts to vs Dennis Smith


Now look at Smith that’s night and day difference
It’s a drill 2 dribbles only
 
Even though I wouldn't draft Porter second overall I can understand the logic behind it. He was the top recruited player out of school and was said to be the potential first overall pick in 2018 before his college year started. The back is a red flag but the potential and upside is still there if he's healthy. He can play SF or PF, he might even be able to play some "small" ball five in certain line ups with his size and skill set. Currently we have Fox and Bog in the back court and Willie at center, that leaves the forward spots to fill. Now I'd go for Doncic or Bagley, but Porter fills that need as well so it's a need pick over a BPA pick to a certain extent.

Also, if Porter can become a go to scorer at SF, it allows us to then focus on add a better rim protector and floor spacer at PF/C to pair with Willie to make up for his shortcomings. The issue with Bagley is he isn't a rim protector or big time rebounder so it leaves the fit next to Willie as problematic if we want to upgrade that part of our game on the defensive end. Doncic fits the SF bill and let's us sort out the PF/C partner for Willie, so that might be a reason to lean towards him. Now obviously if Willie isn't part of our long term future then this is a moot point.
 
You don't cancel a workout because of a "promise" for the simple reason a "promise" isn't worth the paper it's written on. Anything in writing would be a gross violation of NBA rules, unless I'm greatly mistaken and I don't think I am.
This is a bit naive... Porzingis had a promise from OKC at #21 in the 2015 draft, because he wasnt able to secure a better one he withdrew and re entered in 2016. There's plenty of promise stories out there that've gone thru according to plan.

Chandler Hutchinson immediately shut down all workouts.

Kostas Antetokounmpo has shut down all workouts and he's barely projected to be drafted.....

Now this situation with porter is a bit different. I think, and have posted days back, that the Kings are bluffing about taking Porter to try and drum up trade value, I think the Bulls and Porters camp realize this and this cancelled workout is the result.
 
He's a career 32% three point shooter, his "elite" skill is the same percentage Doncic has shot this year as the primary guy in the Euroleague and it's considered one of Doncic's areas that need improvement. I just can't comprehend taking a guy whose best skill is equivalent to a "weakness" for another guy on the board who does SO MUCH MORE for you in a basketball game. This ain't 6'10 Ray Allen folks.
Lol. Man people here really are twisted. The Kings fan base cant possibly be as ignorant as this forum makes them appear. This dude for example has assuredly seen porter play less than 2 or 3 full games but has the audacity to post like he's qualified to speak on what he brings to the table.

I Don't caree if i come off crass. Buncha children here thowing stones then hidinhg their hands. Baseless, unfounded mudslinging, y'all dont wanna have a convo, u just want to attempt to confirm your prior biases .................. These kids are all good, those out there trying to differentiate these top few picks and pass off the narrative that theres some steep decline in talent after your 2 favorites only reveals your niavety and lack of perspective on the subject.

The angry responses will be sent towards me too, not the dude who's probably never seen anything but youtube highlights and basing career projections on edited clips, but me the one who's seen 20 full games and read articles fr YEARS. It's not just Kings forums either these mouthbreather instant gratification seeking slaves infest all the forums ive seen.
 
Ok we got it, you are the best in evaluating players. You know better than anyone, all your opinions are gold. I'm sorry if this forum can't keep up with the level of your posts. After all, you've seen 20 games and read articles for years.
I wonder why you are not working for an NBA front office. With you on board, no more busts!!!
 
Lol. Man people here really are twisted. The Kings fan base cant possibly be as ignorant as this forum makes them appear. This dude for example has assuredly seen porter play less than 2 or 3 full games but has the audacity to post like he's qualified to speak on what he brings to the table.

I Don't caree if i come off crass. Buncha children here thowing stones then hidinhg their hands. Baseless, unfounded mudslinging, y'all dont wanna have a convo, u just want to attempt to confirm your prior biases .................. These kids are all good, those out there trying to differentiate these top few picks and pass off the narrative that theres some steep decline in talent after your 2 favorites only reveals your niavety and lack of perspective on the subject.

The angry responses will be sent towards me too, not the dude who's probably never seen anything but youtube highlights and basing career projections on edited clips, but me the one who's seen 20 full games and read articles fr YEARS. It's not just Kings forums either these mouthbreather instant gratification seeking slaves infest all the forums ive seen.

Not intended as an insult, but I would be very surprised if you're more than 17. Your posts are incredibly juvenile and emotional. I'd suggest you drop the victim-complex, people are allowed to disagree with you and question prospects without you throwing your toys out of the pram and creating melodrama.

Making out that Porter doesn't carry risk, and that he's an elite shooter which I believe you have said, is not even close to being as sure as you are making out. I'm skeptical that Porter is a plus shooter right now, although he could be down the line. We'll have to see.
 
But even without the injuries, why gamble on a kid who never played meaningful minutes at the college level? Porter isn't a sure-thing LeBron level talent after all. He was a top HS recruit but once Bagley reclassified HE became the consensus #1 recruit AND went and had a great season at Duke.

Why would Porter, without NCAA tape and having back surgery now be a better prospect?
Kobe, Garnett, Lebron, The list is long of guys who excelled. Not saying Porter is them but only playing in high school is not an automatic disqualifier.

I’m not sure Bagley was the top recruit either. Bagley’s the opposite of Luka. Very athletic but defensive tape is horrible, very left handed, shot mostly from 3 ft. It’s not like he is concern free.
 
Lol. Man people here really are twisted. The Kings fan base cant possibly be as ignorant as this forum makes them appear. This dude for example has assuredly seen porter play less than 2 or 3 full games but has the audacity to post like he's qualified to speak on what he brings to the table.

I Don't caree if i come off crass. Buncha children here thowing stones then hidinhg their hands. Baseless, unfounded mudslinging, y'all dont wanna have a convo, u just want to attempt to confirm your prior biases .................. These kids are all good, those out there trying to differentiate these top few picks and pass off the narrative that theres some steep decline in talent after your 2 favorites only reveals your niavety and lack of perspective on the subject.

The angry responses will be sent towards me too, not the dude who's probably never seen anything but youtube highlights and basing career projections on edited clips, but me the one who's seen 20 full games and read articles fr YEARS. It's not just Kings forums either these mouthbreather instant gratification seeking slaves infest all the forums ive seen.
Is this your first time on the internet? News flash buddy, people are going to disagree with you. It's a fact of life. You aren't right about everything and neither is anyone here. All we can do is discuss everything to the best of our opinions and see what happens in the end.

For someone who claims to have this vast basketball knowledge, you sure are naive when it comes to these prospects. We don't discuss how every prospect is awesome because in the end, all of these prospects aren't going to be awesome. Some of these guys you thought were can't miss are going to bust and some of these guys you didn't think would amount to much are going to be really good. It's a fact of life man so excuse us for not wanting to spend hours a day talking about players that we don't predict will be any good.

Since you've been scouting Porter for years and claim to know more about him than anyone here or on any other forum, why don't you provide us with evidence that shows how good he is? I don't want to see highlight reels of his dunks or him shooting over 5'10" high school kids. All star type exhibition games mean nothing either. I want to see real games against actual good players at his level. Do you have any evidence of this? You are going to change exactly zero opinions by calling people stupid all the time but you can change a whole lot of opinions by providing actual evidence that this is a good player. Otherwise your posts are no more convincing than some redneck with a blurry picture claiming he saw bigfoot.
 

Tetsujin

The Game Thread Dude
The Kings stubbornly drafting MPJ in spite of all the flashing neon signs telling them not to would be maximum Kangz and is therefore probably going to be what happens.

And then in maximum Kangz fashion, MPJ hurts his back and never plays basketball again.
 
Doesn't matter. This current regime of Vivek and now Vlade has proven that they can't evaluate talent, so they wouldn't know any better.

Other than Fox and WCS (who aren't guaranteed to work out either), they've done this:
  • Ben McLemore
  • Nik Stauskas
  • Georgios Papagiannis
Then add in the FA signings, coaching decisions, pick swaps, and Cousins trade and there isn't much for a Vivek/Vlade supporter to hang their hat on. Yeah, Vlade wasn't around for all of it --- but he's been here (and responsible) for a lot of it.

Already on very, very shaky ground, if they select a guy that looks markedly inferior to Dončić and Bagley while also having back concerns -- it seals the deal that they haven't the faintest clue. Some might argue that time already passed a while ago.
I’m not a huge Vlade fan but his moves aren’t all bad...

1) the Chris’s trade for Bogdan, Skal and Malachi I would do again in a heartbeat. Bogi was better than any player available at that time.

2) the drafting of Giles supposedly was good and the Jury is still out on Fox.

They did fire their director of scouting who was around for all the pics you listed. I’m by no means certain Vlade will get the right guy. I know knowledgeable people who claim Jackson and Carter are the best players in the draft and that Bagley and Luka are huge risks.

One thing is certain, there are no sure things in this draft. None of us will know until a couple years out if Vlade made the correct pick.
 

funkykingston

Super Moderator
Staff member
Kobe, Garnett, Lebron, The list is long of guys who excelled. Not saying Porter is them but only playing in high school is not an automatic disqualifier.

I’m not sure Bagley was the top recruit either. Bagley’s the opposite of Luka. Very athletic but defensive tape is horrible, very left handed, shot mostly from 3 ft. It’s not like he is concern free.
Bagley was the consensus #1 HS recruit last year after he reclassified. Again, that doesn't guarantee anything but it's a fact.

Bagley isn't concern free but he's also not coming off back surgery.

Michael Porter has a very intriguing ceiling. But there's so much that has to break right for him to get there.

It's hard to overstate the risk Porter represents. He's essentially only played meaningful games against HS competition, had some clear holes even at that level (loose handle, lack of wiggle and burst with the ball in his hands, no post game to speak of, refusal or inability to sit down in a defensive stance, lack of physicality on both ends and a tendency to get tunnel vision on offense) AND the kid is coming off back surgery.

It seems crazy to me to consider him at #2 in a strong draft.
 
r


The Kings executive marketing team doesn't know what Vlade is thinking. If he did and he spilled it to anyone, he would lose his job.

It's like all those rumors that came out from minority owners and then ended up all being false. ;)
Agreed. Which is why I said take with a massive grain of salt. Not trying to stoke any fires, but just figured it was worth sharing after that report came out.
 
But it's not just Amick. It's the combination of several things that's worrisome.
  • Kings radio media (Peaches, DC) have been all but prepping Kings fans for a Porter selection
  • Jerry Reynolds was on the Rise Guys saying that if his back checks out, Porter is likely the best player in the draft
  • Bobby Jackson (allegedly) is giving off hints that Porter is the guy
  • Amick's tweets are hinting at it
  • James Ham mocking him to the Kings
I'm officially a very worried Kings fan.

I got over the Boogie trade. But risking the future and one-time #2 pick on a guy like Porter would put me in position to just not care anymore.

There's a reason this franchise has been terrible during most of it's tenure in Sacramento and why they've been awful the past 10+ seasons. They rarely have anybody in the front office that knows what the hell they are doing. Drafting Porter would be just another link (a very large one at that) in the chain.

Even if Porter's back wasn't an issue at all -- I still don't see how you take that risk. I believe it was @funkykingston who pointed out that there is no visual evidence out there that supports Porter as a top 2-3 prospect. There just isn't. When the back issue is piled on top of it, it's a really high risk and unwarranted decision to make. Then again, that's been the Kings draft history since 2011.
We are sending the msg we want porter. The reason is so we can get an asset by moving down.

I think the front office is split. Some want bagley and some want porter. So we move down so another team might help decide for us. The team is more than likely memphis with dallas being a dark horse.

Phx-Ayton
Kings-porter (for trade)
Atl-Bagley
Memphis-Doncic (for trade)
---or-------
Phx- Ayton
Kings-porter (for trade)
Atl-JJJ
Memphis-Bagley
Dallas-Doncic (for trade)

Memphis has ivan rabb, dillion brooks, jaymychal green (1yr remaining), dude can ball

Fox, Bogi
buddy, brooks
Doncic, jj
giles, skal
Free agent

*plus the vets
Thats some good young talent. Sorry giles is not a center, skal is not a center, and ive given up on willie.