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ESPN has a new mock draft up, and it has the Clippers selecting Michael Porter Jr at 12. The divisive forward from Missouri is apparently falling in the draft, as teams are scared of his medical history and troubles with both his back and hips. While a talented and athletically gifted player, Porter’s injuries appear to be too significant for teams to ignore.
On one hand, this is good for the Clippers. Most draft pundits have Porter as a top 10 talent in the draft, some as a top 5. Being able to draft him at 12 or 13 could pay off tremendously, and it would be very tough to pass on him in favor of less gifted prospects.
On the other hand... if 11 teams pass on him due to medical red flags, that’s really, really worrying. Maybe teams don’t think he will ever be healthy enough to play consistently, or maybe they believe his injuries will sap his athleticism, taking away his strongest claim to top-prospect status. Either way, he’s a huge risk.
Jerry West is a gambler, and it’s possible Michael Porter Jr. is the throw of the dice he will hold himself too. All we can do is wait and see.