If the Chicago Bulls take a risk in the draft, who should it be on?
By Pat Hunt
Michael Porter Jr.
MPJ has become a bit of an adopted son for Bulls fans. Now, on the surface, Porter isn’t exactly shooting down any reports of his desire to play in Chicago. He has set up shop in Chicago in regards to pre-draft training. He also doesn’t seem too shy to let fans know when he’s wearing Bulls gear. But aside from the painfully obvious interest, his health and small amount of play at the collegiate level is what the Bulls would be taking a risk on.
The Nathan Hale High School standout arrived at Missouri this year as an ESPN five-star recruit. He had also been the #1 player in his class prior to the reclassification of Marvin Bagley III. Clearly, the national recognition is there and the advanced scouting has been done to conclude that the kid can indeed play. The once thought of prodigal son for Tiger fans then went down with a disc injury in his back minutes into the year, only to return to play some mediocre basketball in the SEC and NCAA tournaments.
Is Porter Jr. worth the risk?
Yes. All things considered, he really didn’t even have a freshman year. Kyrie Irving hardly had a freshman year. The risk part is well documented, but it’s also the reason the Bulls could be in a position to select the 6’10 power forward. They need to pounce if given the opportunity.
The McDonald’s All-American Game MVP has non-teachable length and athleticism, and solid 3-PT shooting for his position. Defense is a work in progress, as it is for most players his age. Nonetheless he has fantastic ability on both ends of the court. Porter has been the most sought after prospect from Bulls fans since he declared for the Draft. He also just so happens to be the only player with mega-star potential that could drop to the 7th pick. For that reason, he’s worth the risk.