Is the risk of Kevin Porter Jr worth the potential high reward for the OKC Thunder?
By Alex Mcewen
Kevin Porter Jr. has lottery pick talent, but will off-court issues prevent him from reaching his potential? Perhaps, he could add needed depth for the OKC Thunder.
During the 2014 draft, the OKC Thunder took a risk by selecting Mitch McGary with the 21st overall pick. Five years later, Oklahoma City once again holds the 21st pick. If Kevin Porter Jr. is still on the board when the Thunder make their selection, should they take a chance on the freshman forward?
The logical response would be yes, but it is vital the Thunder nail this draft pick. Therefore, selecting a prospect with a questionable character adds unnecessary risks for the franchise.
Similar to McGary in Michigan, Porter Jr. also faced a suspension during his time at the University of Southern California. It should be noted both athletes were suspended for different reasons. McGary faced discipline due to substance abuse, while Porter Jr. served a suspension as a result of personal misconduct.
Specifics:
- Height W/Shoes: 6′5.5″
- Height W/O Shoes: 6′4″
- Weight: 212
- Wingspan: 6′9″
- Position: SG
- Age: 19
- College: USC
- Home Town: South Seattle, Washington.
Two aspects stand out from Porter Jr’s biography. First; he is quite long, his 6′9″ wingspan would have been the second largest on the OKC Thunder last season among all guard. Trailing only Andre Roberson (who missed the entire season, due to various knee injuries), rookie Hamidou Diallo, and traded forward Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot, they each possess a 6′11″ wingspan.
*The above statement excludes Deonte Burton and Alex Abrines. The duo’s wingspans were unavailable
Secondly, unlike many prospects, Porter Jr. already possesses a heavy build. Weighing in at 212 lbs, he is one of 31 players at the NBA combine clocking in above 210 lbs. His weight is nearly all muscle too, his 5.10 percent body fat tied for the sixth least among 31 qualified players.