Despite not getting to see Michael Porter Jr. play in college, the Dallas Mavericks would be fools to pass up on him at pick three. Porter offers an upside much higher than everyone else on the board, he must be the selection here.
You could make the argument that the Mavericks have already invested their future into a player of the same position, Harrison Barnes, but Porter will soon earn that starting job. Perhaps they could play in the same lineup together, either one could play the stretch-four role.
Of course, a back injury will raise concerns as it’s never encouraging to see a teenager suffer such a serious back problem. His longevity may be of question, standing 6-foot-10, it’s likely Porter will suffer from back issues later in his playing career. Additionally, since the high school playoffs earlier this year, Porter had to miss time due to a foot injury. Also, he had to miss time due to a hip injury. Hopefully these aren’t signs of things to come for Porter.
Had it not been for the back issue, Porter would’ve made a great case of being selected with the first pick in the draft.