The Wildcard

Behold: Michael Porter Jr, who according to Michael Porter Jr. is the best player in this draft class. Problem is, missed most of the passed season for back surgery to alleviate herniated discs he had been suffering since he was undercut on a dunk as a Sophomore.  Before the time off, he was widely expected to go first in the coming draft.  He did make it back for the tournament but was a slow mover.  Personally, I don't think herniated disc procedures should do anything but help those who have suffered them, but if he can't perform in the showcases leading up to the draft, things could get interesting. Especially if the Knicks can gain any sort of special insight that would assure them they'd be getting the real Michael Porter Jr. because, healthy, he probably is the best player in the draft.

So why is that?  He's 6'10, with great hands, feet and handles, he can shoot, he can pass and he can block shots.  I think he's going to be thicker than Duran, but you see KD and guys like Danny Manning in his healthy game.  He's a voluminous rebounder, too, so there's also some Larry Bird.  And you realize anyone who combines the virtues of those three players would be the best player in virtually any draft.

So, if the Knicks can confirm full recovery, they might even want to move up for Porter. Look at it this way, sitting 9th, and without lottery luck for 33 years, their chances for getting elite young talent are slim.  And this is a guy who has elite talent.

I posted a picture of Joe DiMaggio the other day. The only reason the Yankees were able to get Joltin' Joe, was because the Cubs pulled out of a deal with him when he hurt his ankle.  Yanks gladly stepped in and got Joe at a discount.  The rest is history.

So, if the Knicks can gain any sort of certainty, they should go for it.  Or just stay and 9 and take Mikal, Collin, Trae or Wendell.

UPDATE: The Knicks talked to Wendell Carter and Trae Young today, so they've done combine interviews with everyone we've talked about.