NBA
Why Michael Porter, Jr. Is A Perfect Fit For The Chicago Bulls
Michael Porter would fit seamlessly with the Chicago Bulls. Besides the fact the Bulls are my favorite team, his style of play is perfect for the Chi. He has stated himself that he would like to play in the “Windy City”.
Porter missed most of his only season at Missouri with a back injury. Michael was considered one of the top NBA prospects heading into last year. Michael could potentially go as high as No. 2 to the Sacramento Kings. But those injury concerns could also drop him down down the board.
But that hasn’t stopped franchises picking in the top five (specifically Sacramento and Memphis) from seriously considering the former high school All-American. Porter is so talented that, this time last year, he was projected as a serious contender to be the top pick of the 2018 NBA Draft. In other words, everybody understands there’s an opportunity to get real value here the way Philadelphia got real value when it drafted an injured Joel Embiid with the third pick in the 2014 NBA Draft.
Porter’s Collegiate Career Unfinished
Michael’s was not a memorable collegiate career. He played those two minutes against Iowa State in the opener. Then he played two full games in March, both losses. In between, there was speculation about his injury and cryptic Instagram posts about his return. The best natural scorer in college basketball took 30 shots on the season and he made 10 of them.
It was not a memorable collegiate career. But it was very much a career that’s perfectly in line with the history of Mizzou athletics: A story of high hopes, always dashed.
Porter is a combo forward that can hit a mid-range jumper, score in the post and score from behind the three-point line. For a 6’10″ guy, he is quick and versatile for his size. With Porter and Markkanen and their shooting abilities, they would space the floor for Lavine and Dunn to drive. Hoiberg’s offense is fast paced and with a wing player of his caliber, it would elevate the bulls to another level.
Porter has shown interest in playing for Chicago, his health is a bit of a question having microdiscectomy surgery but Porter stated himself that his injuries have been overblown by the media. Another concern the Bulls may have is him not falling to the 7th spot as teams also have interest in Porter Jr.
Despite the concerns, Porter would fit into Hoiberg system and help the team get back in the playoffs sooner rather than later. The Missouri product has a litany of both character and injury questions. Rumors are all over the place about how well he will fit into an NBA locker room.
.@iamisiahthomas sat down with Missouri prospect, Michael Porter Jr. ahead of the 2018 #NBADraft. pic.twitter.com/LcdyDMVypX
— NBA TV (@NBATV) June 19, 2018
BREAKING: The Memphis Grizzlies have told key figures w/in organization that Michael Porter Jr. is at top of their board & their #1 target for 4th pick in 2018 NBA Draft.
Griz have also internally discussed the possibility of a trade w/ Phoenix Suns to snag MPJ ahead of Kings. pic.twitter.com/iUhMC4ZRX2
— NBA Draft God (@NBADraftGod) June 11, 2018
Michael Porter Jr is the best player in the draft!!! No question about it… Pass on him if you want too
— Isaiah Thomas (@isaiahthomas) June 14, 2018