A lot of Chicago Bulls fans were crushed upon news coming out about the NBA draft lottery. For the second-straight year they found out their team would be picking 7th overall. What makes it so painful is what could’ve been. Had they not won the coin toss with the Sacramento Kings earlier in the season, the collection of events that followed would’ve resulted in them picked 2nd instead. Ouch.
Truth be told they only have themselves to blame. Since January 1st they went 8-1 against the other bottom seven teams in the NBA. If people were looking for a reason why this team isn’t picking higher, it doesn’t get much clearer than that. All that being said, it shouldn’t be considered the end of the world.
The 7th pick has produced star-studded talent in the past. Stephen Curry can attest to that. Lauri Markkanen, whom the Bulls took at that spot just last year is shaping up to be a strong player too. So why can’t they strike it big? It comes down to a fortunate break ahead of them along with finding a player who fits what they do.
One prospect, in particular, thinks his skill set can take them to the next level.
Michael Porter Jr. believes he has what the Chicago Bulls are missing
The NBA draft is always about taking risks. They don’t come much bigger than Michael Porter Jr. The Missouri small forward played a grand total of three games during his college career. He injured his back against Iowa State in the season opener and wasn’t able to return until late in the year when the Tigers entered the NCAA tournament.
Yet even in that brief snippet coming off the bench, he displayed the skills that made him such an exciting prospect. Against Florida State in the first round, he was a problem with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. Though his team lost it was apparent the 6’10” kid was healthy and not overwhelmed by the big game atmosphere.
Porter Jr. knows he’s running behind other top prospects in terms of game film and experience. That hasn’t shaken his confidence though. He feels he can be a huge benefit to any team that wants him, but seems to be keeping a close eye on Chicago.
Michael Porter Jr. on fit for Bulls: "They got a great core, a lot of young, athletic guys. And they’re kind of looking for a small forward position. So I feel I would fit in great, yessir."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) May 17, 2018
He’s not wrong. Of the five main positions, the weakest on the Bulls roster is definitely small forward with Justin Holiday, Denzel Valentine and Paul Zipser as their primary options. Pairing Porter with Markannen is hard to overlook. Given the latter’s long-range shooting prowess, that would provide Porter more space to operate. A bad thing given his size and athletic combination.
He’s definitely willing to do whatever it takes to prove he’s worthy.
More Porter Jr.: "I've played against all these guys. They're all great players, but I'm the best player in this draft. I just can't wait to show what I'm capable of." #NBACombine
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHBulls) May 17, 2018
Porter says he won't; is willing to work out against others… https://t.co/dOBVzcWJJA
— Mike McGraw (@McGrawDHBulls) May 18, 2018
Porter Jr. was considered the best prospect in the country when he chose to attend Missouri. His injury depressed a lot of basketball fans. They knew what he was capable of and it’s possible he could’ve taken that team a long way if he’d played all year. In the end, though that injury could end up being a blessing in disguise if he falls to the Bulls when the draft gets going.
