New York Knicks: Knicks shouldn’t go after Michael Porter Jr. in draft
By Alex Jordan
Former Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. has gotten interest from the New York Knicks. However, they should pass on him in the draft.
The 2018 NBA draft is one week away and former Missouri forward Michael Porter Jr. is still a mystery to teams.
Porter cancelled a workout scheduled for Friday in Chicago at his second pro day because of a strained hip.
He had an MRI on his hip on Thursday, which came back clean, and will be re-evaluated by his doctors Thursday night, according to Shams Charania of Yahoo Sports. League sources told Charania that Porter could reschedule the workout for a later time on Friday.
Porter is one of the top players in this year’s draft. His draft stock is on the rise as the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies, Dallas Mavericks, and the New York Knicks are all interested in him.
However, he is unlikely to fall out of the top seven in the draft, according to ESPN’s Jonathan Givony. The Chicago Bulls have the seventh pick while the Knicks have to ninth pick.
USA Today’s Sam Amick says that the Kings have a “very real chance” of taking Porter with the number two pick. The Knicks would have to trade up to have a shot at picking him.
There’s a very real chance the Kings would take Michael Porter Jr. at No. 2, but it’s unclear how the canceling of the Friday workout in Chicago might impact the process. They want more intel on medical and another look. Teams are being told that the workout will be rescheduled.
— Sam Amick (@sam_amick) June 14, 2018
“The big question mark is his back,” MSG Network/CBS basketball expert Wally Szczerbiak told Marc Berman of the New York Post:
"“Doctors and physical therapists have to do their due diligence to see if he’ll have a healthy NBA career. If he is healthy and slips to 9, you got to really consider picking him if you’re the Knicks.’’"
The Knicks shouldn’t try to get Porter because of health concerns and teams have constantly monitored his heath.
Last year, he missed most of the season due to a back injury and averaged 10 points, 6.7 rebounds and one steal. He played in just three games.
Drafting a player who is a health risk and who may not be healthy all the time isn’t what the Knicks, who are trying to rebuild, need to do.
So who should the Knicks draft if they can’t get Porter? I think they should pick Trae Young, who has worked out with the Knicks, been compared to Steph Curry, and would be a perfect fit for the Knicks.
If they don’t get Young, then they should pick one of the Bridge brothers, Miles or Mikal. Mikal is a better defender and outside shooter than Miles, but Miles is a good shooter too and either one of them would also be a good fit for the Knicks.
Next: Its going to be one of the Bridges?
So, don’t be surprised if the Knick don’t pick Porter in the draft. Drafting him would be a huge mistake.