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2018 NBA Draft: If Michael Porter Jr. falls, the Cleveland Cavaliers should take him

By Nathan Beighle

ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 08: Michael Porter Jr
ST LOUIS, MO - MARCH 08: Michael Porter Jr /
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With the 8th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, the Cleveland Cavaliers, if he falls, must take the risk and draft the University of Missouri freshman, Michael Porter Jr.

Inconsistent? Yes. Injury-prone? Maybe so. Whatever the media says about Michael Porter Jr., the Cleveland Cavaliers must overlook that. Porter Jr.’s ceiling is as high or higher than any other prospect in this draft class, and he might just fall to the Cavaliers.

In ESPN’s first mock draft show, Michael Porter Jr. was taken with the 15th pick. Adrian Wojnarowski selected the length small forward claiming he dropped in the draft due to his risk of injury.

ESPN isn’t the only outlet to ramp up their draft coverage. Bleacher Report also showcased their own 60-pick mock draft. At that 8th pick, B/R had the Cavaliers drafting Michael Porter Jr., and their reasoning hit the nail on the head.

"The Cavaliers use it as a buy-low opportunity, given Porter was once viewed as a No. 1 overall candidate out of high school before he injured his back."

The common fan doesn’t know much about Porter. Once the favorite to go No. 1 overall in this upcoming NBA Draft, Porter hurt his back, missing all but three collegiate games. In those three games, he, if anything, hurt his draft stock.

In games, Porter’s only notable competition was the Seminoles in which his Tigers lost to in the NCAA Tournament’s opening round. Albeit he scored 16 points and recorded 3 steals, he shot less than 35% from the field.

But, can you really put stock in three collegiate games where Porter was arguably still physically recovering and hadn’t yet really understood the speed of collegiate basketball?

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If you look past those three games and onto the combine, those that didn’t know Porter’s history might wonder why he isn’t the No. 1 overall selection. Porter entered the facility, standing 6-foot-11 with shoes on and measured over a 7-foot wingspan.

With an over 9-foot standing reach, Porter, physically, was one of the most outstanding prospects at the combine.

The fit is just as important as the pick for Cleveland too.

Unlike Wendell Carter Jr., Porter Jr. would immediately be able to thrive in Cleveland, partially because of the leadership of LeBron James.

Yes, James’ skill set would help show Porter how to dominate in the NBA, but James leadership and teaching ability are what Porter would crave from his superstar teammate.

Forbes highlighted four of James’ leadership qualities, and here’s the one that he should be able to easily be passed on to Cleveland’s hopeful heir to the throne. They wrote:

"LeBron James knows who he is.  When you hear him speak about his teammates, he also knows who they intimately are (there capabilities, their circumstances, their personal and professional history, etc.).  LeBron knows that leadership demands that we reacquaint ourselves with our people."

Tyronn Lue wanted the Cavs to trade for DeAndre Jordan at the February deadline, but that would’ve meant giving up this pick. Although Lue didn’t get what he wanted, Gilbert knew the price of losing this championship could mean drafting a potential superstar, and he was willing to take that risk.

Now, the Cleveland Cavaliers are faced with a decision. Do you take this risk? Do you risk Porter’s injury and inconsistency for his potential, his superstar potential?

Next: 2018 NBA Mock Draft 2.0: Cavaliers select Wendell Carter Jr.

If I’m Cleveland, I would every single time.