Michael Porter Jr

[ockingsfan]

I had the exact same read about Grant... really concerned that he seems to be selling Porter to the fan base.

If Vlade were to pick Porter at #2, I think there will be a fan revolt.

Seriously, if the Kings really like Porter that much, they better trade back to #4-6 area and get some additional high 1st round picks or a promising young player in return.

If the Kings pick Porter straight up at #2, I would be a very, very, very unhappy Kings fan!

 

[ParniValjak]

If Vlade were to pick Porter at #2, I think there will be a fan revolt.

Seriously, if the Kings really like Porter that much, they better trade back to #4-6 area and get some additional high 1st round picks or a promising young player in return.

If the Kings pick Porter straight up at #2, I would be a very, very, very unhappy Kings fan!

What is the other teams don't want to trade up, or don't have what we would like to get back?

 

[ockingsfan]

What is the other teams don't want to trade up, or don't have what we would like to get back?

Then you don't pick him.

There is too much risk with his injury and no tape on him after high school to take him at #2. Those are the type risks that can cost a GM his job and set a franchise back for years if he doesn't pan out.

There are a lot of better and safer options at #2.

 

[206Fan]

Some people should be embarrassed advocating for this guy

Yeah, but would McDonald’s All Americans be able to strip him like that?

come on. these are low-lights.

 

[206Fan]

I had the exact same read about Grant... really concerned that he seems to be selling Porter to the fan base.

I'm curious, what did Grant say on his radio?

 

[ParniValjak]

Then you don't pick him.

There is too much risk with his injury and no tape on him after high school to take him at #2. Those are the type risks that can cost a GM his job and set a franchise back for years if he doesn't pan out.

There are a lot of better and safer options at #2.

This is the thing though. It's deemed to be a risky pick to you. Do you honestly think that NBA front offices have not scouted this guy for years. Teams have plenty of film on him, they have seen him live many times and every team would be doing the background and medical checks on the kid and wanting to see him in a workout.

Just because general consensus is that he should not be a top 2 pick doesn't mean that teams don't feel the same way. The Kings must hit a home run from this draft and not play it safe. They will draft for the upside (at least many of us hope they would) because they get the chance to do it now and might never get this sort of chance again for a while.

I might be in minority but I don't care if whoever we draft will win ROY next year or be one of the better rookies. I care than in 3-4 years time people look back and say that Kings got the best player from the draft.

While Michael Porter Jr. is not my preferred pick at 2, I can understand the interest. The kid has some genuine talent, athletic tools, skill and a big upside. He could definitely bust but he could also end up being the best player from the draft in time such is his talent level.

I don't particularly think that Vlade will care much on what the consensus is or whether there will be a backlash from the fan base or probably whether he will lose him job or not. What he would care about is getting the best long term player from this draft. He has shown willingness to trade down and get more assets if the trade he likes is there (hell has done it the last 2 drafts) but Kings pick MPJ at 2, I will sit back and hope that they got it right. No one here will know if it is the right or wrong pick for another 3 years at least.

Is Porter my choice at 2? No! But I can understand the interest and I can understand why we are seemingly high on him. In a perfect world I would love a safe pick with a HUGE upside (aka Ayton in this draft) but we are not in a perfect world and we must make it count in this draft. Not for next year or the year after but for the next decade and by making it count, I am talking a franchise level player, a perennial all-star.

 

[KingsSelecao]

I wouldn't take Porter at 2. But I would at 3-6. It will need to include another young player preferably.

I have Ayton, Bagley, Porter and Jackson. My pick order.

 

[ParniValjak]

I wouldn't take Porter at 2. But I would at 3-6. It will need to include another young player preferably.

I have Ayton, Bagley, Porter and Jackson. My pick order.

Serious question! Is there such a MASSIVE pure talent drop off between Bagley and Porter Jr.? I am not talking about production to date but just pure basketball talent and upside.

I am not convinced that there is but I would also go with Bagley at #2 as I consider him a somewhat safer pick than MPJ but with similarly high potential.

 

[ockingsfan]

Serious question! Is there such a MASSIVE pure talent drop off between Bagley and Porter Jr.? I am not talking about production to date but just pure basketball talent and upside.

I am not convinced that there is but I would also go with Bagley at #2 as I consider him a somewhat safer pick than MPJ but with similarly high potential.

It really has to do with his injury.

You can't honestly say that a serious back injury at such a young age wouldn't scare you off taking someone at #2?

Seriously, back injuries are a huge concern and I don't think we should spend #2 pick on someone coming off a serious back injury like MPJ. Look at what happened to Dwight Howard after his back injury.

If we traded down a bit to get him, then fine. I see too many surer bets available at #2.

 

[KingsSelecao]

What is the other teams don't want to trade up, or don't have what we would like to get back?

What really jumps out with Bagley is his intensity and athleticism. Always around the ball. Great anticipation. His skill set fits well with the Kings young line up

 

[ParniValjak]

It really has to do with his injury.

You can't honestly say that a serious back injury at such a young age wouldn't scare you off taking someone at #2?

Seriously, back injuries are a huge concern and I don't think we should spend #2 pick on someone coming off a serious back injury like MPJ. Look at what happened to Dwight Howard after his back injury.

If we traded down a bit to get him, then fine. I see too many surer bets available at #2.

The surgery Porter had is not as serious as you make it out to be. A lot of players had it early on in their career and went on to have great careers.

If he checks out medically, I have no concerns about picking him at #2 from that perspective. The talent is there. Is it a risk? Hell yeah but then again every other pick is a risk.

I have Ayton as #1 and Bagley as #2 at the moment...that could change but as long as Porter checks our medically, I don't think he is as huge a reach as people make him out to be.

What really jumps out with Bagley is his intensity and athleticism. Always around the ball. Great anticipation. His skill set fits well with the Kings young line up

Well that doesn't really answer my question of if there is really that huge a drop of in terms of pure talent (not production) between Bagley and Porter.

Personally, I have Bagley as my pick at #2 because his upside is huge but his floor is at least a good rebounder in the NBA. Not a great floor but I am backing in our development team to get the best out of him. By all reports he is a gym rat with excellent work ethic. Risk of failure is not huge.

 

[ockingsfan]

What is the other teams don't want to trade up, or don't have what we would like to get back?

There are at least 3 players that have similar if not higher ceilings than Porter.

Ayton, Doncic and Bagley, are just as highly or higher rated and all without the injury concerns.

If we really want MPJ, I'm pretty sure he will still be available in the 4-5 range. I think teams like Memphis or Dallas would love to trade up to land a player like Doncic at #2.

Even if they don't give up the farm to move up, getting 1 or 2 of their future 1st rounders would soften the risk of taking MPJ at #4 or #5 then at #2.

 

[206Fan]

There are at least 3 players that have similar if not higher ceilings than Porter.

Ayton, Doncic and Bagley, are just as highly or higher rated and all without the injury concerns.

If we really want MPJ, I'm pretty sure he will still be available in the 4-5 range. I think teams like Memphis or Dallas would love to trade up to land a player like Doncic at #2.

Even if they don't give up the farm to move up, getting 1 or 2 of their future 1st rounders would soften the risk of taking MPJ at #4 or #5 then at #2.

There's a lot of talk, but I think Doncic will be the Kings pick come draft time. Just like how everyone knew Fox was going to Sacramento, but it was fun to speculate. The only way I don't see the Kings drafting Doncic is if he refuses to show us his medicals and communicates very little with the FO...aka forcing himself elsewhere.

In last year's draft, the FO picked players who all wanted to be here. All of them came here to workout or interview.

 

[jcwkings]

This guy is not a SF, he is a PF who wants no business of mixing it up inside or getting dirty. If this guy is a SF so are Jeff Green and Michael Beasley.

 

[ParniValjak]

There are at least 3 players that have similar if not higher ceilings than Porter.

Ayton, Doncic and Bagley, are just as highly or higher rated and all without the injury concerns.

If we really want MPJ, I'm pretty sure he will still be available in the 4-5 range. I think teams like Memphis or Dallas would love to trade up to land a player like Doncic at #2.

Even if they don't give up the farm to move up, getting 1 or 2 of their future 1st rounders would soften the risk of taking MPJ at #4 or #5 then at #2.

Memphis and Dallas don’t reayhave anything to trade that we would like or that they would be willing to give up. That is what people fails to realize. It’s easy to say trade down but there has to be a willing party that is able ot willing to give us what we want and we need to be certain that the player we love will be there at their pick.

Personally, I think we will pick Dončić unless he goes at #1 to Phoenix. I would personally pick Bagley if Suns take Ayton at #1.

 

[Sactown ExPat]

Where did all the MPJ fans go? Grant and Ham are telling us MPJ is our guy at #2, and suddenly we get alot of hem-hawing on this thread about needing to trade down to get MPJ, or that he’s not really our guy. Do we have MPJ buyer’s remorse already? I thought he had the highest ceiling in the draft, no? Surely, the highest ceiling is an acceptable pick at #2? Or, was a more sober analysis of MPJ right all along, and his value as a stretch 4 starts around the #5 pick? Seems that some folks should have been careful what they wished for.

 

[Entity]

Where did all the MPJ fans go? Grant and Ham are telling us MPJ is our guy at #2, and suddenly we get alot of hem-hawing on this thread about needing to trade down to get MPJ, or that he’s not really our guy. Do we have MPJ buyer’s remorse already? I thought he had the highest ceiling in the draft, no? Surely, the highest ceiling is an acceptable pick at #2? Or, was a more sober analysis of MPJ right all along, and his value as a stretch 4 starts around the #5 pick? Seems that some folks should have been careful what they wished for.

do we really need to go on an on about for 34 pages? I said i would take him at #2. didn't realize i needed to reiterate every other day.

 

[Blob]

If Vlade were to pick Porter at #2, I think there will be a fan revolt.

Seriously, if the Kings really like Porter that much, they better trade back to #4-6 area and get some additional high 1st round picks or a promising young player in return.

If the Kings pick Porter straight up at #2, I would be a very, very, very unhappy Kings fan!

One thing I know from past drafts is this front office does not conceal their interest or feign interest where none exists. The scuttlebutt before the Willie draft was their keen interest in him. Same goes with De'Aaron and other players I am probably overlooking. If Grant and Ham are getting strong he's-our-guy vibes where this player is concerned, it is unlikely to be misdirection. I absolutely believe they could take Porter at #2. Like I have said why would not the worst GM in the NBA (well, second worst after the dude in Philly with his Twitter burner accounts) make another terrible decision? It is what the worst at their job do.

 

[Telemachus]

Where did all the MPJ fans go? Grant and Ham are telling us MPJ is our guy at #2, and suddenly we get alot of hem-hawing on this thread about needing to trade down to get MPJ, or that he’s not really our guy. Do we have MPJ buyer’s remorse already? I thought he had the highest ceiling in the draft, no? Surely, the highest ceiling is an acceptable pick at #2? Or, was a more sober analysis of MPJ right all along, and his value as a stretch 4 starts around the #5 pick? Seems that some folks should have been careful what they wished for.

From what I can tell most of those "supporting" Porter were defending him against the hyperbole exclamations that he was a no talent chucker.

The truth is that there are several players who could end up being a good choice for the Kings. Porter is one of them. So are Ayton, Doncic, Jackson and Bagley.

 

[ockingsfan]

FYI. Here is a video of MPJ interview at the draft combine about his injury and recovery:

https://www.nba.com/magic/videos/draft-combine-michael-porter-jr

Here's another story about his injury and other NBA players recovery from back surgery.

https://www.sbnation.com/college-ba...ter-jr-injury-history-nba-draft-2018-missouri

 

[bajaden]

There's a lot of talk, but I think Doncic will be the Kings pick come draft time. Just like how everyone knew Fox was going to Sacramento, but it was fun to speculate. The only way I don't see the Kings drafting Doncic is if he refuses to show us his medicals and communicates very little with the FO...aka forcing himself elsewhere.

In last year's draft, the FO picked players who all wanted to be here. All of them came here to workout or interview.

Ahhh, there is another way that the Kings don't draft Doncic, and that's if the Suns draft him, which isn't out of the question. And, if so, do we just automatically draft Ayton, or do we re-think the situation. One would think that the Kings have a plan A, B, C, and D already in place to use if the situation changes. You have to be thinking four moves ahead.

 

[ockingsfan]

Ahhh, there is another way that the Kings don't draft Doncic, and that's if the Suns draft him, which isn't out of the question. And, if so, do we just automatically draft Ayton, or do we re-think the situation. One would think that the Kings have a plan A, B, C, and D already in place to use if the situation changes. You have to be thinking four moves ahead.

If the Suns picked Doncic #1, I would take Ayton.

I hope Vlade is doing his homework, because I still think there is a real chance the Suns may surprise everyone and take Doncic #1 overall.

 

[John Galt]

One thing I know from past drafts is this front office does not conceal their interest or feign interest where none exists. The scuttlebutt before the Willie draft was their keen interest in him. Same goes with De'Aaron and other players I am probably overlooking. If Grant and Ham are getting strong he's-our-guy vibes where this player is concerned, it is unlikely to be misdirection. I absolutely believe they could take Porter at #2. Like I have said why would not the worst GM in the NBA (well, second worst after the dude in Philly with his Twitter burner accounts) make another terrible decision? It is what the worst at their job do.

I will be at your side with a "worst GM in the league" sign if it happens. And I will agitate for my season ticket money back even though it is futile. The infatuation with Porter is out of control.

In poker there is a concept called "leveling yourself". It means you overthink, bake your brain, and talk yourself into a stupid decision (usually a call when it is clear you're beat.

I think the Kings fan base has leveled themselves into embracing Porter as a reasonable #2 pick, and I am just praying to God that Vlade is not doing the same.

 

[bajaden]

FYI. Here is a video of MPJ interview at the draft combine about his injury and recovery:

https://www.nba.com/magic/videos/draft-combine-michael-porter-jr

Here's another story about his injury and other NBA players recovery from back surgery.

https://www.sbnation.com/college-ba...ter-jr-injury-history-nba-draft-2018-missouri

I've done a ton of reading on the surgery Porter had, and it's considered minimum invasive surgery. Usually done through a one half inch opening, and in some cases, through a tube inserted through a smaller opening. It's not disc removal, but simply taking away a tiny portion of the disc that's pressing on the nerve. From what I've read, it has a very high success rate, and pain relief is almost immediate. What I read also confirms that those that had the surgery, end up having longer careers than those who opt for rehab.

So the question is, if you felt that before the start of the college season, Porter was the best, or at worse one of the top two players that year, and after looking at his medical report, and working him out, you think he's back to being that same player, do you consider taking him at two? I mean if you really, really believe he's the best player available at two, do you screw around with trying to trade down, where there's the possibility another team believes what you believe, and grabs him before you can?

I can sit here all day long and type reasons why you should, and reasons why you shouldn't take him at two. Fortunately I don't have to make that decision. My gut tells me that there are four or five players that we can't go wrong on. That all of those players will be successful NBA players, and maybe stars. The trick is to not have the the number five pick end up being better than your number two pick. Of course, if the Kings start winning, no one will really care, will they? That's what it's all about right? Winning? Or is it a popularity contest for some of you. You have to be right.

I'll tell you right now, if the Kings choose someone that I don't think they should choose, I pray to God that I'm wrong, not right..

 

[bajaden]

I will be at your side with a "worst GM in the league" sign if it happens. And I will agitate for my season ticket money back even though it is futile. The infatuation with Porter is out of control.

In poker there is a concept called "leveling yourself". It means you overthink, bake your brain, and talk yourself into a stupid decision (usually a call when it is clear you're beat.

I think the Kings fan base has leveled themselves into embracing Porter as a reasonable #2 pick, and I am just praying to God that Vlade is not doing the same.

Isn't the reverse true? Have you leveled yourself into believing, no matter what, Porter is not a reasonable #2 pick? It's a two way street and cars going in opposite directions all think they're going the right way. Porter certainly isn't my first choice, but I can't in good conscience tell anyone that he's the wrong choice based on what I know. I'am convinced however, that the surgery is less of a risk than I originally thought after doing some research on it.

So if your the Kings, and you believed pre-college and pre-surgery, that Porter was going to be the best player out of this draft, and you now believe he's back to his original form and healthy, why would you automatically discount him? I'm just trying to follow the logic here. Now if you didn't like him to begin with, then that's a different story. But I can make a serious argument for him pre-surgery. The dude was a man among boys in high school, and outplayed some of the players that are now considered to be above him.

 

[John Galt]

Isn't the reverse true? Have you leveled yourself into believing, no matter what, Porter is not a reasonable #2 pick? It's a two way street and cars going in opposite directions all think they're going the right way. Porter certainly isn't my first choice, but I can't in good conscience tell anyone that he's the wrong choice based on what I know. I'am convinced however, that the surgery is less of a risk than I originally thought after doing some research on it.

So if your the Kings, and you believed pre-college and pre-surgery, that Porter was going to be the best player out of this draft, and you now believe he's back to his original form and healthy, why would you automatically discount him? I'm just trying to follow the logic here. Now if you didn't like him to begin with, then that's a different story. But I can make a serious argument for him pre-surgery. The dude was a man among boys in high school, and outplayed some of the players that are now considered to be above him.

Very few cars going the other direction... just compare mocks. Doesn’t mean I have particular respect for all “mock bloggers” but consensus is pretty strong. Add to that the ‘bad interviews’ in Chicago (could be a ruse by Chi to drop him I suppose).

I just think the Porter fetish is a recently contrived phenomenon and is artificial. Doesn’t mean I’m right... I just don’t believe in it.

I also admit I’m outside the mainstream in that I completely do NOT believe this is a “superstar or bust” draft. I think that is crazy talk. If the Kings become a solid .500 team it is a quantum leap and I would take it. I don’t think we have to come out of this draft with Kevin Garnett. I think that taking that approach year after year is stupid.

I’m not always right crab man and I really respect your talent analysis. If you think Porter makes sense over Ayton, Doncic, Bagley, Jackson, Bamba... then I respect that.

 

[Telemachus]

Very few cars going the other direction... just compare mocks. Doesn’t mean I have particular respect for all “mock bloggers” but consensus is pretty strong. Add to that the ‘bad interviews’ in Chicago (could be a ruse by Chi to drop him I suppose).

I just think the Porter fetish is a recently contrived phenomenon and is artificial. Doesn’t mean I’m right... I just don’t believe in it.

I also admit I’m outside the mainstream in that I completely do NOT believe this is a “superstar or bust” draft. I think that is crazy talk. If the Kings become a solid .500 team it is a quantum leap and I would take it. I don’t think we have to come out of this draft with Kevin Garnett. I think that taking that approach year after year is stupid.

I’m not always right crab man and I really respect your talent analysis. If you think Porter makes sense over Ayton, Doncic, Bagley, Jackson, Bamba... then I respect that.

Most mocks had Porter #1 prior to the college season. When he had back surgery, most moved him down to either 2 or 3. He pretty much stayed there until he decided to play in the tournament. Almost all of them will tell you they won't judge him on his play because he was rusty and at about 70%, but that was when they moved him out of the top 3.

 

[datamanwes]

I have tried to evaluate this draft without reading what everyone else is saying on this board. Now I do read the mocks and about strengths and weaknesses of the players and I think Ayton is the clear number one. After doing further research I think one of Doncic, Bagley or Porter could all be potential really good players but all three of those guys make me think they might not be the best choice at number two. One thing I feel real confident in is that Vlade knows Doncic better than maybe any of the other GM's in the league and so if he does pass on Doncic at 2. I won't be upset in the least. Bagley really concerns me about his defense and whether he is a 4 or a 5 in this league. Porter has his concerns as well but I do see where he would be considered a good fit on this team and he is a good kid as well.

Concerning Grant, I heard him for a few minutes the other day saying his opinion was it is either Bagley or Porter. He might be a mouthpiece for Vlade or he might not know anything. My guess is he is putting Porter out there for the number two pick to soften up those of us that would be upset.

I choose to be happy that we are going to get a potentially great player and if someone told me one year ago you will get one of Donci,Ayton,Bagley or Porter I would be fist bumping anyone in sight GO KINGS

 

[Joer]

I think I'm starting to like Bagley and Porter more because Doncic's mediocre athleticism and lack of go-to scoring has me very concerned.

It's great that the Kings moved up to #2 but it raises the stakes and makes me more nervous that they'll screw it up.

Not that I think Doncic will bust. I think he's almost certainly a solid NBA player, so he's safe but if other guys become stars and he doesn't it will be a missed opportunity.

That curry guy is super athletic. I’d rather have advanced court vision and fundamentals

 

[Sactown ExPat]

Isn't the reverse true? Have you leveled yourself into believing, no matter what, Porter is not a reasonable #2 pick? It's a two way street and cars going in opposite directions all think they're going the right way. Porter certainly isn't my first choice, but I can't in good conscience tell anyone that he's the wrong choice based on what I know. I'am convinced however, that the surgery is less of a risk than I originally thought after doing some research on it.

So if your the Kings, and you believed pre-college and pre-surgery, that Porter was going to be the best player out of this draft, and you now believe he's back to his original form and healthy, why would you automatically discount him? I'm just trying to follow the logic here. Now if you didn't like him to begin with, then that's a different story. But I can make a serious argument for him pre-surgery. The dude was a man among boys in high school, and outplayed some of the players that are now considered to be above him.

I had him at #4 before the season. Obviously, nothing happened in the interim to move him up. Moreover, picking him at #2 is unnecessarily risky. It’s taking this wonderful bounty of the #2 pick and going double or nothing when there are better options on the board.