Chicago Bulls: 5 players to watch in the NCAA Tournament
By Ryan Heckman
Michael Porter Jr., Small Forward, Missouri Tigers
One of the league’s most interesting prospects is a former number one overall high school recruit. Coming into Missouri, Michael Porter Jr. looked like he could be a potential number one overall pick in the NBA Draft. But, an unfortunate injury sidelined him for an enormous part of his freshman season with the Tigers.
Porter returned from back surgery to play in Missouri’s SEC tournament matchup with Georgia, only to fall in disappointing fashion by a score of 62-60. Playing 23 minutes, Porter went 5-for-17 from the field and finished with 12 points, adding in eight rebounds as well.
So, if Porter has only played in one full game as a freshman, how on earth is he still projected to be a top-10 or even top-5 pick? Well, he’s a freak, let’s just put it that way.
Reminder: Michael Porter Jr. is a bonafide bucket. @SLAMonline_HS pic.twitter.com/dmMPOUOMKb
— SLAM (@SLAMonline) March 7, 2018
A strong tournament could launch Porter back into consideration as a top-3 pick, which might end up being out of range for the Bulls. However, the season is not over just yet and Chicago could put the pedal to the metal on this year’s tank effort.
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Porter is absolutely a guy who can be a number one threat offensively. There has never been a question about that aspect of his game. What many are wondering, though, is if he can make others better around him.
The 6-foot-10 forward would give the Bulls yet another versatile player like Markkanen, with Porter playing on the wing as a three most likely. His ability to command the floor with such a presence would definitely open things up a bit for Markkanen and LaVine.
Porter needs to have a stellar tournament showing for his stock to rise toward the top of the class, there is no doubt about that. Missouri takes on 9-seed Florida State on Friday at 9:50PM Eastern. If they advance, the Tigers would then likely face 1-seed Xavier in the second round barring a shocking first-round exit.