Michael Porter Jr

[pdxKingsFan]

Being in top 2 doesn’t mean you choose Doncic. Being in the top 2 means you get to choose the player you like versus accepting the player 6 other teams don’t.

And I'm telling you for months this board was Ayton-Doncic 1/2 and how every win cost us a crack at them.

So yes, I am telling you that if we were picking 3rd or worse that is what people would be screaming, because they screamed it all effing season. It was miserable. And these people exist to make trouble.

 

[funkykingston]

What’s up guys , long time lurker ( I’ve had this profile but I forgot the logins and haven’t posted in years) and avid kings fan from stockton.

Just wanted to say I don’t get the infatuation with this guy.... ok he was a top prospect coming out of high school but with the back injury and now this hip injury how can he even be in consideration for us? I would understand if say he had done the Nba combine and blew everyone away with his measureables and drills but we don’t even have that to go off of.

Picking porter would be insanity and really test my fandom once again because this franchise ( and I think fan base...especially outside of this forum) really can’t handle another bust. This kid might have upside but the injury risk and red flags are way too much

I completely agree but I'd prepare yourself to hear his name called on draft night.

This organization doesn't really do smokescreens. They only draft guys that they've worked out in Sacramento or traveled to see their workouts and there's very little to no subterfuge. Vlade is direct to a fault.

I was trying to ignore all the talk by the local media about Porter by thinking it was coming primarily from Christie but now I think the local media around the team are seeing what's obvious - the Kings are infatuated with Porter.

If he's the pick then I hope I'm wrong about him. Because if I'm right (or if injuries derail his career early on) then I'm taking a long break from this team.

 

[sactowndog]

And I'm telling you for months this board was Ayton-Doncic 1/2 and how every win cost us a crack at them.

So yes, I am telling you that if we were picking 3rd or worse that is what people would be screaming, because they screamed it all effing season. It was miserable. And these people exist to make trouble.

Or perhaps they went with the consensus. I was high in Doncic until I watched him in the finals. What I saw was not what I saw when I watched Bogdan and that changed my mind.

 

[sactowndog]

First, it's team defense that wins games. The Spurs have always been a very good defensive team, but not necessarily a great athletic team. I might add that many times a player can have great up and down the court speed, but not good lateral quickness. And, vice versa! Jevon Carter of W. Virginia isn't an elite athlete, but that dude can stay in front of anyone and is one of the best PG defenders in college. Then you have a player like Wiggins, who is a terrific athlete, and he can't guard a chair.

It comes down to desire and hard work, and playing within a team defense system. Team defense is built on trust. You can't hang your teammate out to dry. I was very impressed with Buddy Hield toward the last third of the season. He was getting up in peoples grill on the defensive side of the ball. You'll never stop a great player from scoring, but you can make him as uncomfortable as possible, and that's what Buddy was doing toward the end of the season.

Your probably not going to be hearing much from me between now and the draft. (everyone applauds) I've said everything I can say about these players, and what's going on now is mostly nic picking nonsense (from the fans) and smoke and mirrors from the teams. So I'll see you on the other side.

What do you think about Bagley related to defense? His tape is aweful but he does have lateral quickness to project as a decent defender and he rebounds...

 

[Kingster]

I understand the main point here, and don’t totally disagree; however, I remember seeing last year that Bogs was one of the only guys on the team that could often stay in front of his man. I think in general the uber athlete is overblown, unless it’s combined with sufficient basketball IQ (ie James). Given the choice, I stock up on average athletes with smarts (which includes smarts on the defensive end) to the pure athlete.

If you're fine with average athletes with smarts, great. With the #2 pick I'm hoping for more than that. Much more.

 

[Kingster]

First, it's team defense that wins games. The Spurs have always been a very good defensive team, but not necessarily a great athletic team. I might add that many times a player can have great up and down the court speed, but not good lateral quickness. And, vice versa! Jevon Carter of W. Virginia isn't an elite athlete, but that dude can stay in front of anyone and is one of the best PG defenders in college. Then you have a player like Wiggins, who is a terrific athlete, and he can't guard a chair.

It comes down to desire and hard work, and playing within a team defense system. Team defense is built on trust. You can't hang your teammate out to dry. I was very impressed with Buddy Hield toward the last third of the season. He was getting up in peoples grill on the defensive side of the ball. You'll never stop a great player from scoring, but you can make him as uncomfortable as possible, and that's what Buddy was doing toward the end of the season.

Your probably not going to be hearing much from me between now and the draft. (everyone applauds) I've said everything I can say about these players, and what's going on now is mostly nic picking nonsense (from the fans) and smoke and mirrors from the teams. So I'll see you on the other side.

I wholeheartedly agree with the bolded statement. Buddy was the most improved player on the Kings last year, bar none. And I really think next year he could take even another step upward. Who had more grit than Hield last year? He rebounded for a guard, got into it on defense, just what you want from a 2-guard.

As far as the team defense thing, staying in front of one's man is primary. If you can't do that pretty well you can have all the team defense in the world and it's not going to make a difference. You need both, but you aren't going to take a bunch of mediocre defensive talents and make them into a very good defensive team no matter how much team defense they play. If you have a couple of mediocre athletic defensive talents on your team you better have three other players that can offset their weaknesses somewhat.

Carter has the athletic ability to stay in front of his man better than most; ergo, he's not unathletic when it comes to defense. Wiggins has all the tools to be All-World on defense; he's one of the great underachievers in this league on the defensive end; it's all between the ears or in the heart area with him.

 

[Kingster]

I swear man if this happens

Just trade the damn pick to Boston for Brown

I think the Kings would do that in heart beat. It's just that the Celtics probably wouldn't.

 

[sactowndog]

I understand the main point here, and don’t totally disagree; however, I remember seeing last year that Bogs was one of the only guys on the team that could often stay in front of his man. I think in general the uber athlete is overblown, unless it’s combined with sufficient basketball IQ (ie James). Given the choice, I stock up on average athletes with smarts (which includes smarts on the defensive end) to the pure athlete.

Correct and when you watched Bogi in the previous year he had primary defensive responsibility in the other teams point guard. And Bogdan stayed in front of his man. That and Bogdan length led me to believe he could guard NBA 2 guards which was where I expected him to play. His plus length also indicated he could switch onto NBA 3’s when needed.

I tuned into the finals games expecting something similar to Bogi. But, when you watched Luka in the same games the next year, unlike Bogi he didn’t guard the point or the 2. In fact, when he switched into a guard they immediately attacked him and he couldn’t stay in front. Luka primarily guarded the other teams 4. Given I never saw him with more than a hand above the rim he can’t guard NBA 4’s.

So the comparison between Bogi and Luka is exactly why I am concerned with drafting Luka. Add to that you want to play him off the ball and he didn’t shoot .400 from 3 like Bogi is an additional concern.

I am wondering how many that are so set on Luka actually watched him play.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Not in this draft... The top six or seven guys are all really close.

Just like how Donovan Mitchell went #13 last year and wasn't thought to be in the same class as the top 5, right?

Truth is, we're gonna find out real soon that the supposed top 6 or 7 aren't really that close at all. There's gonna be 1 or 2 or maybe even 3 that separate themselves and lots of GM's and fans alike are gonna be left to wonder how they didn't see it coming.

I still believe the top tier of this draft is 2-3 deep.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

Brandon Roy knows what he’s talking about

Why, because he agrees with you?

Where's Brandon Roy's draft track record? I'd like to see all the successful selections he's made or avoided as GM or even as an advanced scout. I think my google search is broken cause it's not finding anything.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

I am wondering how many that are so set on Luka actually watched him play.

The same could be said of those set on Porter.

At least those championing Ayton, Dončić, Bagley, Bamba, JJJ or Bridges have some positive visual evidence against NCAA or pro competition that they can base their opinion on.

While you are fixated on the negatives you saw from Luka, there are at least a lot of positives to be seen too. And most of all, no history of injury that could linger into his pro career.

 

[Joshoua]

Why, because he agrees with you?

Where's Brandon Roy's draft track record? I'd like to see all the successful selections he's made or avoided as GM or even as an advanced scout. I think my google search is broken cause it's not finding anything.

Roy was his coach what coach has ever talked bad about his player

 

[VF21]

At 6’11 he has the length to give guys trouble at the stretch four. At the end of the day your trying to be teams like GS & Houston and both of their 4’s are 6’7. It’s postionless basketball, you can play Porter Jr at the 5 vs the right teams and really spread the floor out. He never was a passing/assit guy because every time he played it was the MPJ show. Nobody could guard him. No point in trying to get 5 assists lol. High basketball due to him being from a basketball family and the ability to come back better every year.

Being like GS is not going to beat GS.

 

[209king]

I completely agree but I'd prepare yourself to hear his name called on draft night.

This organization doesn't really do smokescreens. They only draft guys that they've worked out in Sacramento or traveled to see their workouts and there's very little to no subterfuge. Vlade is direct to a fault.

I was trying to ignore all the talk by the local media about Porter by thinking it was coming primarily from Christie but now I think the local media around the team are seeing what's obvious - the Kings are infatuated with Porter.

If he's the pick then I hope I'm wrong about him. Because if I'm right (or if injuries derail his career early on) then I'm taking a long break from this team.

Smh I know man I’m kinda terrified for draft night lol

 

[SLAB]

I keep going from thinking relief ("we're going to take Luka!") to absolute dread and despair ("...mpj.")

I just want the draft to get here so I know where I'll stand on the season.

 

[MissouriPorterJr]

Being like GS is not going to beat GS.

Think about what you just said. Y’all haven’t been to the playoffs sense 2006.

 

[sactowndog]

The same could be said of those set on Porter.

At least those championing Ayton, Dončić, Bagley, Bamba, JJJ or Bridges have some positive visual evidence against NCAA or pro competition that they can base their opinion on.

While you are fixated on the negatives you saw from Luka, there are at least a lot of positives to be seen too. And most of all, no history of injury that could linger into his pro career.

True no one has but many are complaining about traits in addition to saying he hasn’t played. How is that logically possible. For what it’s worth, I’m not fixated on anyone. I can see real reasons to and to not draft all these guys.

 

[206Fan]

Please tell why. What evidence is out there that proves to you the guy is worthy of the #2 pick? Most the rest of us would like to know cause we're not seeing it.

Something tells me the pro-Porter crowd is placing their hopes on his measureables and perceived potential because of it. Because it can't be based upon visual evidence. The kid played 3 whole games in college, which weren't impressive at all.

If it weren't for a poor freshman year at Kentucky, Skal Labissière might have went much higher in the 2016 draft based upon his high school production. However, unlike Skal, we didn't get to see a freshman year from Porter that could have validated or invalidated him. When you mix in the back issue, the pro-Porter crowd sure is willing to overlook a lot and trust nothing but their faith.

I have Porter Jr 4th overall on my Kings draft board. I'm not really an advocate for him at #2, but this is why I would be perfectly fine with the pick assuming the FO is 100% comfortable with his back. I am confident in their medical team. I mentioned a bit ago that I think Harry Giles will play a huge role in whether or not they'll pick MPJ. The Kings have already taken in an injured-ridden player. They've gone through all the motions with him. MPJ's back is not as bad as Giles' knees are, but they would know exactly what to expect when dealing with MPJ. Is this a risk they want to take? Is this something they're comfortable with handling? Here is his surgery explained by a surgeon who has a very positive outlook on it. Getting past all this, let's talk framework.

MPJ measured at nearly 6'11 with a 7'0.25 wingspan and 9'.05" standing reach. Exceptional size for a SF, and good for a PF. He's lighter at 211lbs, but part of that is due to his Microdiscectomy. Because of his surgery and recovery period, he wasn't able to add strength throughout his freshman year. Lots of people question his defensive stance and bend. He's very upright and doesn't get low enough despite his agility. MPJ says he injured his back during his sophomore year of HS going up for a dunk where he landed on it. It just built up over time(as mentioned in the article). Since then, he's always had some discomfort in his back and as a result, he claims that's the reason for his upright defensive stance. I've heard a lot of nonsense with people questioning his athleticism. Would an athletic player be able to do this or dunk from near the FT line? You'll see more clips of his explosiveness below. Well let's get to his offensive potential which is the biggest reason why the Kings could be considering him at #2.

Shooting Ability (click the links)
He's 6'11 with a beautiful stroke. The arc and touch is very good. It's the most appealing skillset from him. He can be a legitimate PnP threat.
-catch and shoot 3pt
-Highly contested 3pt shot
-Highly contested 3pt shot
-PnP 3pt
-PnP 3pt

Shooting Variety
He's comfortable in getting off his shots in a variety of ways as shown below
-Pull up 3
-Hang dribble 3, very rare dribble for a player his size. He's able to create separation quite well on his 3pt shots
-Pull back 3
-Can use a series of jabs and headfakes for 3pt shot
(I didn't provide a clip, but he shows a developing post fade away shot)

Ball Handling,
His ball handling is a work in progress right now. He prefers the baseline drive, but I think he explodes decent for his size. Needs to improvement, but flashes the necessary potential
https://streamable.com/qdrkp
https://streamable.com/aiw67
https://streamable.com/p7ber

Transition
MPJ excels in transition. He runs the floor very well in the open court and understands situations
-Explosive transition dunk
-Runs very well without the ball
-Go-ahead dunk
-Transition lob
-Transition dunk

Transition Ball Handler, despite his developing handles in the half-court, MPJ is a very comfortable ball handler in the open court.
-Full-court attack with an explosive finish
-Full-court attack
-Handles the ball in transition gets inside, and kicks it out to a 3pt shooter
-Grabs the ball in transition and passes it ahead
-Gets the steal and attacks ahead

Off-ball movements, contrary to popular belief, MPJ does NOT need the ball in his hands to be effective. He moves well without the ball and finds ways to put it inside the basket.
-Off-ball cut inside
-Off-ball cut inside
-Cut along the baseline
-Moves well during the in-bound to get a catch n shoot

Offense board crashes, he's not the most physical player, but he does a nice job attacking the glass when he's in position
-Put back dunk
-Follow up dunk
-Tip-in

You have an athletic 6'11 SF/PF with amazing scoring instincts. He can shoot the ball in almost every situation. He finds ways to create space despite his lack of advanced handles. Contrary to popular belief, he does not need the ball in his hands to score. He finds ways to get open whether through PnP, running off screens, or cutting inside. He's a lob threat due to his vertical. He also does a solid job attacking the offensive glass when he's in position to. He's a big threat in transition whether it's running with with a full head of steam, or running the transition itself. His ball handling is a work in progress, but give me another 19/20yearold 6'11 Forward who can run a fast break the way Michael can. Or another 6'11 Forward who can create space for his jumpshot the way Michael can. On top of all of this, he's a very good shooter. He's got a great scoring mentality and never gets fazed. Full confidence in himself. He might not be the most vocal or emotional player on the court, but he knows he doesn't have to be because his game speaks for himself. That's just the type of confidence he has, similar to KD in that sense.

The only people who are disappointed in MPJ as a healthy prospect are the ones who have not seen him at all, and they automatically expect him to be a Paul George "do it all" type of SF. So when they have this idea of Paul George in their heads, they get disappointed when they see MPJ. That's just not the type of SF he is. It's like having never watched Buddy Hield, but thinking he is comparable to James Harden. THEN being disappointed at Hield for playing nothing like Harden. I thought DX did a great job in their draft breakdown on him where they basically showed what type of player he was.

MPJ's talent is undeniable. Again, 6'11 SFs with good athleticism, good shooting, and good scoring instincts just don't grow on trees. His skillset and entire frameowrk is why he was considered the #1 prospect before the start of the season. This is why you continually have teams like the Kings, Grizzlies, Dallas, Bulls, and Knicks all interested in him.

 

[VF21]

Think about what you just said. Y’all haven’t been to the playoffs sense 2006.

I'm well aware of the last time we were in the playoffs, thank you very much. You guys, as the top seed, lost to the Warriors and have failed every year to get past them so I wouldn't be strutting around quite so much if I were you.

2014-15 Lost in Conference finals (1-4) to Warriors
2015-16 Lost in First Round (1-4) to Warriors
2017-18 Lost in Conference finals (3-4) to Warriors

Get back to me when your team finally gets past them once and I MIGHT reconsider.

 

[roasthawg]

Just like how Donovan Mitchell went #13 last year and wasn't thought to be in the same class as the top 5, right?

Truth is, we're gonna find out real soon that the supposed top 6 or 7 aren't really that close at all. There's gonna be 1 or 2 or maybe even 3 that separate themselves and lots of GM's and fans alike are gonna be left to wonder how they didn't see it coming.

I still believe the top tier of this draft is 2-3 deep.

I'm talking about these guys as prospects. Donovan Mitchell wasn't a top five prospect last year. These players at the top of this draft are all really close in terms of where they'll be rated before the draft by NBA GM's. That's my opinion at least and I think the evidence supports it. Of course some will be better than others once they're in the NBA. But when the evidence as to who will be the better pro is scant when deciding between prospects then you're left with a tightly bunched group like this.

 

[KingsFanSince85]

True no one has but many are complaining about traits in addition to saying he hasn’t played. How is that logically possible. For what it’s worth, I’m not fixated on anyone. I can see real reasons to and to not draft all these guys.

I'm fixated on the best player that comes with the least amount of risk.

While they may end up a really good or even elite players, I just believe there's more risk involved in taking Porter, JJJ or Bamba (a lot more risk in Porter).

While there's also risk involved in selecting Dončić, Bagley, Ayton, or Bridges, many agree that the bust probability is far less. They should be starting caliber players even if never star players.

Of the other three (Porter, JJJ, Bamba), I think Bamba carries the least amount of risk. He should be a very good defender once he learns the NBA game. His offense is the real question mark.

JJJ also really intrigues me as a potential star two-way player, but he had so much trouble staying on the court for MSU and so many non-impactful games that I wonder whether that continues in the NBA.

Porter's back injury is enough to make me wary on its own. But even w/o it I still question his ability to be much more than a Channing Fry type stretch 4. I just don't see the handles or ability to create for others. He's too risky for me.

As I've stated before, if Vlade passes on Porter (crossing fingers that he does) and he develops into the next KD -- I will not roast Vlade for it. What we know and don't know at this moment in time, I think it's the right decision.

 

[roasthawg]

I'm fixated on the best player that comes with the least amount of risk.

While they may end up a really good or even elite players, I just believe there's more risk involved in taking Porter, JJJ or Bamba (a lot more risk in Porter).

While there's also risk involved in selecting Dončić, Bagley, Ayton, or Bridges, many agree that the bust probability is far less. They should be starting caliber players even if never star players.

Of the other three (Porter, JJJ, Bamba), I think Bamba carries the least amount of risk. He should be a very good defender once he learns the NBA game. His offense is the real question mark.

JJJ also really intrigues me as a potential star two-way player, but he had so much trouble staying on the court for MSU and so many non-impactful games that I wonder whether that continues in the NBA.

Porter's back injury is enough to make me wary on its own. But even w/o it I still question his ability to be much more than a Channing Fry type stretch 4. I just don't see the handles or ability to create for others. He's too risky for me.

As I've stated before, if Vlade passes on Porter (crossing fingers that he does) and he develops into the next KD -- I will not roast Vlade for it. What we know and don't know at this moment in time, I think it's the right decision.

I really believe jjj is the safest player in this draft. What will hold him back? Worst case he's Myles Turner... Best case he's Anthony Davis. He has just as much upside as anyone without the downside. He checks every box... Length, athleticism, shooting, defense. Still holding out hope he ends up a king but I realize it doesn't seem likely.

 

[King Baller]

Think about what you just said. Y’all haven’t been to the playoffs sense 2006.

A team cannot copy what the GSW have done because they have 3 of the top 5 shooters in the NBA. 2 of those 3 are locks for the HOF IMO. They have another wing that has been an All Star and a finals MVP checking the best current player in the NBA. Then they have a 6' 7" Big who runs the offense, calls out defensive sets and generally is an irritant. There have only been a couple of teams that come close in the modern NBA, and it would be a discussion about which team was better.

 

[TaxMan]

If you're fine with average athletes with smarts, great. With the #2 pick I'm hoping for more than that. Much more.

I think you’re over simplifying my point but that’s ok. Of course everyone wants the best player possible at number 2. I don’t define that as necessarily the best “athlete” nor do I feel drafting Doncic automatically means the team is at a disadvantage unless it puts great athletes around him.

 

[VF21]

I'm fixated on the best player that comes with the least amount of risk.

While they may end up a really good or even elite players, I just believe there's more risk involved in taking Porter, JJJ or Bamba (a lot more risk in Porter).

While there's also risk involved in selecting Dončić, Bagley, Ayton, or Bridges, many agree that the bust probability is far less. They should be starting caliber players even if never star players.

Of the other three (Porter, JJJ, Bamba), I think Bamba carries the least amount of risk. He should be a very good defender once he learns the NBA game. His offense is the real question mark.

JJJ also really intrigues me as a potential star two-way player, but he had so much trouble staying on the court for MSU and so many non-impactful games that I wonder whether that continues in the NBA.

Porter's back injury is enough to make me wary on its own. But even w/o it I still question his ability to be much more than a Channing Fry type stretch 4. I just don't see the handles or ability to create for others. He's too risky for me.

As I've stated before, if Vlade passes on Porter (crossing fingers that he does) and he develops into the next KD -- I will not roast Vlade for it. What we know and don't know at this moment in time, I think it's the right decision.

I think the front office is, too. They can be intrigued by Porter but at the end of the day they absolutely cannot get this pick wrong. It's not exaggeration to say Vlade's job would definitely on the line if he did pick Porter and, for whatever reason, Porter was unable to deliver. The Kings are going the right direction. One stupid misstep based on what funky (I believe) calls infatuation could destroy all the forward progress. They need to grab Doncic (or Ayton) and stroll on out like a boss.

 

[Hoovtrain]

Roy was his coach what coach has ever talked bad about his player

There are numerous ex players, scouts, coaches etc that are speaking highly of MPJ. It’s not just Roy

 

[Livinthedream]

If medical physicians the NBA teams trust say that MPJs back is fine, then is his back really an issue? If teams pass and he becomes a star, can those GMs who passed say yeah, but his back...... when there is no medical evidence his back is a problem.

 

[Joshoua]

Here’s what I don’t get if we want a scorer why don’t you draft Bagley instead. To be a 20ppg player in the league you need to be able to get to the basket and draw fouls. Bagley does both while Porter can’t and will settle for a lot of mid range shots. It is easier to develop a shot (Bagley) than it is to develop ball handling (porter) once you get in the league. Also Bagley isn’t a black hole while being an elite rebounder and he proved all this at Duke.

Now defense at least Bagley has the athleticism to become a decent defender and he was a pretty good shot blocker in HS. Meanwhile Porter is too stiff wings will blow by him with ease and to light to guarf the post.

So I ask why take Porter over Bagley if you want a scorer?

 

[Gguod]

Here’s what I don’t get if we want a scorer why don’t you draft Bagley instead. To be a 20ppg player in the league you need to be able to get to the basket and draw fouls. Bagley does both while Porter can’t and will settle for a lot of mid range shots. It is easier to develop a shot (Bagley) than it is to develop ball handling (porter) once you get in the league. Also Bagley isn’t a black hole while being an elite rebounder and he proved all this at Duke.

Now defense at least Bagley has the athleticism to become a decent defender and he was a pretty good shot blocker in HS. Meanwhile Porter is too stiff wings will blow by him with ease and to light to guarf the post.

So I ask why take Porter over Bagley if you want a scorer?

Because Bagley isnt a shooter so in order to have an efficent offense, he probably has to be a center. He also does his damage close to the rim so having a non shooting big on the floor with him would drop his effectiveness.

And center is a position where you usually have to be a good defender in order to be valuable. Centers get put in a lot of pick n rolls, are asked to protect the rim ect so its very important you can defend in those situations.

Also big men in general havent been the most valuable offensive players in the league. Big men often dont create as much for others, and when they create for themselves its more often a post up situation (which is generally very low value shot).

As a big man being a scorer is not that important and its probably even more important that you are a good defender. Or atleast the defensive shortcomings of bigs are exposed a lot more than wings or guards. And that drops their overall value a lot if you have those shortcomings.

And if you try to play him as a power forward, just imagine a situation where Bogdanovic has the ball and defense is sagging off from Fox, the Center and Bagley. Thats very low efficent offense.

I have Bagley atm probably 5th-7th on my board hoping that if we end up getting him, we make him a switch defender and change our defensive scheme to switching everything like Houston. Altough we have Fox who would be in trouble with that system but thats basically what you have to do if you get Bagley and try to be competitive

 

[VF21]

If medical physicians the NBA teams trust say that MPJs back is fine, then is his back really an issue? If teams pass and he becomes a star, can those GMs who passed say yeah, but his back...... when there is no medical evidence his back is a problem.

I seriously doubt if any GMs will be called to task for passing on Porter IF he becomes a star. There was no medical evidence to indicate Chris Webber was going to collapse in a heap. Things happen when you least expect them. When there have been as many flags about Porter (remember he couldn't get out of bed the other morning) being prudcent is not going to cost you your job. On the other hand, picking him and then having him not be able to play just might.