Chicago Bulls: 3 reasons fans should worry about the NBA Draft
Don’t do anything stupid
The Bulls need to fight the urge to do something impulsive like trade up in this draft. As I mentioned earlier, Bulls fans seem to have pretty strong opinions about this class. The two most polarizing players are definitely Michael Porter Jr. and Trae Young. Porter at least plays a clear position of need for the Bulls and has a much higher floor than Trae Young.
Of course, this is assuming Porter is and will continue to be in good health. However, as we all know, Porter suffered a fairly significant lower back injury at the start of last year. Last year Porter had surgery to repair a herniated disc in his lower back. During the procedure, doctors removed a portion of Porter’s disc that was impinging on a nerve in his back. The procedure, called a microdiscectomy, was performed on the L3-L4 spinal discs. Ironically, herniations in this area can often cause pain in the patient’s hip.
Sources: NBA Draft lottery teams were informed Wednesday that Missouri’s Michael Porter Jr., a projected high-lottery draft pick, canceled second Pro Day workout Friday because of hip spasms and would undergo tests.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 14, 2018
This is important because Porter initially canceled his second Pro Day workout due to hip spasms. Late yesterday, reports were that it was back on. While there is no report officially linking the two injuries, nevertheless, teams need to tread lightly here. Although he is super talented, he does not want to start developing a reputation for being injury prone. If a team is going to use a high pick on Porter, they better be confident he is healthy.
Moreover, there was a report that the Bulls would have to move up from No. 7 if they wanted Porter. If Porter happens to fall to the Bulls at No. 7, and they draft him, so be it. However, it would be a giant risk to trade draft capital or personnel to move up and select him, especially with his medical concerns.
The Bulls currently sit in a position to draft a high-quality player at No. 7. Based on how the top of the board unfolds, a surprise player may even fall. Therefore, the Bulls should sit tight at No. 7 rather than trade valuable resources to move up for Porter, who presents significant injury concerns.