2018 NBA Draft

[Magnum_3_Ball]

Originally Posted by Underdog

Welcome to the board! Lots to unpack in your post...

1) Thanks for the info on Porter Jr, I hadn't heard the rumor that he might not declare. That would definitely change the top of the draft, no doubt... And was it a herniated disc? I'd heard that it might have just been a bulge, which means the disc hasn't actually ruptured and a full recovery is more likely. A herniation definitely changes my perspective on him.

2) Ayton is easily at the top of the heap, and I'd agree that Bamba is a cut below... I see Ayton, Bagley, Porter (if 100%) and Doncic as having franchise player potential, whereas I see Bamba as maxing out as an All-Star, at best. He just doesn't have the alpha mentality that the rest of them have.

3) Mikal Bridges is really starting to grow on me, and might even be in my second tier now. I could see him in a similar role as (even though he's a bit different than) Andre Igoudala in Golden State. He's a glue guy who can bring it on defense, help clean up the glass, and hit the open shot -- a guy who can play within himself and doesn't need the ball in his hands to impact the game. He'd be an excellent Wesley Matthews replacement and fit well with Dennis.

4) Not really sold on Sexton with DSJ here, but I'd love to see him enter the top-5 discussion -- especially if Porter doesn't declare. The more guards that push their way up, the better chances we have of getting a guy we need, even if we land outside the top-5.

Thank you. Always a pleasure to be around fellow MFFL'ers!

This article (https://www.sbnation.com/college-bas...eturn-timeline) indicates Porter Jr had a microdiscectomy, which means his disc ruptured, and they cut a portion of the disc out. I've seen other articles that say he had surgery, which to my knowledge they don't do surgery for bulging discs. Usually they prescribe traction or therapy if it's just a bulging disc.

It's odd that they say Porter Jr is likely to return this season in that article. I wouldn't think so, wouldn't think it would be very smart to rush him back. I like the example they give of Dwight Howard in the article. Can you still play after a microdiscectomy? Yes. Will you be the same player? No. That's my fear for Porter Jr.

Here's another link I found, and in the video one of the analyst talks about Porter Jr really wanting to win a championship for his school. http://www.espn.com/mens-college-bas...-hope-missouri

So, apparently, it's known that Porter Jr has/had a strong desire for a successful college career. I remember reading one poster say on another forum they don't think Porter Jr would of declared for the draft this year even if he had stayed healthy, unless Mizzou won the national championship.

I agree. I don't like Sexton as a fit for the Mavs with DSJ. Not sure how I feel about Trae Young, either. I mean, if we're picking say 7th and everyone else is already gone (Ayton, Bagley Jr, Doncic, Bamba, Mikal Bridges, let's say Porter Jr too) and Young is just sitting there. I guess, I'd have to consider him if I felt he was the BPA. I'm really hoping the Mavs can find a future all star at SF, PF, or C in this draft. I was just mentioning Sexton as someone who is moving up mock drafts, which I agree the more guards that can move into that top 5 discussion the better!