Otto Porter: Historical Comparisons to the Possible #1 Picks
2013-05-28
Finally, we arrive at a guy playing a position of need for the Cavs. Well-rounded on the court and hard-working off it, this Georgetown sophomore fills several needs for Cleveland. A small forward that scores efficiently, moves the ball intelligently, hustles, knocks down threes, and buckles down on defense…sounds pretty good. But does that sound like a #1 pick? Most people can not fathom a “yes” for that question. Let’s look at similar players from season’s past, to see if “no” becomes a “meh”.
Porter’s athletic and production profile is:
6’ 7.5” barefoot, 7’ 1.5” wingspan, 198 lbs, 27” no-step vert, 11.25 second agility drill, 3.40 second sprint time. Age 20 at the draft. 119 orating on 23 usage. Shooting percentages = 48 / 42 / 78. Scoring locations = 50 / 26 / 24. dreb% = 18.9. stl% = 3.3. blk% = 3. ast% = 18.5. A:TO ratio = 1.8.
Really good stuff. Solid length, young, efficient shooting, stellar block and steal rates, sweet passing. He is a unique prospect. How much so though? Similarities include:
Player A – 6’ 6.75” barefoot, 6’ 8.25” wingspan, 185 lbs, 30.5” no-step, 11.69 agility, 3.22 sprint. 21.3 at draft time. (performance stats from age 20.3 season). 107 orating on 25 usage. 47 / 35 / 77. 52 / 25 / 22. dreb% = 13. ast% = 22.4. stl% = 3.2. blk% = 1.4. A:TO ratio = 1.2.
Player B – 6’ 7” barefoot, 7’ 0.5” wingspan, 220 lbs, 27.5” no-step, 11.46 agility, 3.34 sprint. 19.2 at draft time. 111 orating on 24 usage. 48 / 36 / 71. 61 / 22 / 17. dreb% = 16.3. ast% = 11.8. stl% = 2.4. blk% = 3.1. A:TO Ratio = 0.8.
A primary reason for pairing Porter with the first guy is his weight: 185 lbs at a full fifteen months older. The two were vaguely similar athletically (both leapt 36” for max-vert), while scoring approximately half their points inside the arc, one-quarter from three, and the other quarter from the foul line. Both offered high assist and steal rates. Porter produced points much more efficiently, thanks in part to his superior three-point hoisting, but also a far lower turnover rate. He also blocked twice as many shots, utilizing his extra wingspan. Based on across the board factors, Porter looks like a higher level prospect.
Player B very nearly mirrors the length and athleticism of Porter, but does pack on twenty extra pounds. Only a freshman, his season ended with him ten months younger than Otto. For production, both scored approximately one-fourth of their points from deep, while providing strong rebounding, steal and block rates. Again Porter proved superior on offense, thanks to long distance shooting, better ability draw fouls, and superior passing. In this case against similar schedules, based on age I would give Player B a higher place on a draftboard…but it would be close.
The latter player is Luol Deng, a key cog on the recent run of strong Bulls teams. The second player is Corey Brewer. Because of his slight frame, scoring distribution, high steal rates, and similar usage & assist totals, this serves as my preferred comparison. At three months younger though, Porter was bigger, took care of the ball better, proved more disruptive on defense, and shot more consistently.
As a sexy, top selection, “Bigger, Advanced, Corey Brewer” doesn’t really shine. That’s a good player though…definitely a worthy starter on a contending team…the non-deluxe version played 82 games for 57 win team this year. A few years ago, Deng lead a 62-win team in minutes played. This is a type of player that helps teams win games; as discussed in my pre-draft measurement stuff, tall small forwards historically provide the best two-way impact. Given Porter’s work ethic and competitiveness, it seems reasonable that he will follow a similar trajectory.
I’ve initiated a pattern over the first two articles, so let’s run with one more comparison:
Player C – 6 ‘ 9” in shoes, 215 lbs, Age 22.3 at draft time (Comparison season is age 20.3 season). 107 orating on 21 usage. 42 / 31 / 71. 50 / 32 / 17. dreb% = 12.3. stl% = 1.4. blk% = 3.9. ast% = 11.7. A:TO Ratio = 0.9.
Another skinny small forward with a high shot blocking rate, but this time a player who at three months elder to Porter provided relatively low usage, low efficiency offense. He didn’t get to the free throw line often, shoot well from deep, or notably distribute the ball. Of course its Tayshaun Prince, the player that Porter compares himself to. Otto, aim higher! “Evolutionary Tayshaun Prince” can start for a champion! The namesake did.
So what does it all mean? Choosing a winner between “Wealthy Man’s Wayne Ellington” and “Tony Allen But Better On Offense” was easy. Wrapping my head around “Evolutionary Tayshaun Prince” versus TABBOO is tougher. Before I have an aneurysm though, let’s step back, and consider the main attraction first. After looking at Nerlens Noel tomorrow, we can choose between them all on Friday.
@Josh
I don’t think it convinced me. I was just giving a comp I found of the same college system with a similar size.
I don’t know Kyrie, Green seems to have the significantly better measurements and athletic testing. Porter numbers were better as a sophomore like you said, but Greens extra length weight and athletic ability would probably rank him higher on most draft boards. And Jeff Green before the medical history still wasn’t a very good player. His pre injury career high PER was 13.9. Even if Porter were a supposed rich mans Jeff Green, what’s that make him, an average player? Don’t get me wrong, I think Porter will be a lot better than Green, I just find it really odd… Read more »
Josh, to be fair, it showed him to be a rich man’s version of Jeff Green. Porters Sophomore numbers were much better than Green’s sophomore year, and still a little better than his junior year. Jeff Green without the medical history was probably a pretty good player, and he showed signs of getting back there this year. #1 good? Probably not. But certainly a rich man’s healthy Green would be a top 4 draft pick even in a decent draft.
@Not sure…
Are you saying a comp showing Porter as a poor mans version of Jeff Green, who isn’t very good, convinced you we should take Porter with the number one pick?
Am I missing something? Are you being sarcastic?
Underdog – that actually originated from Fear The Sword. A poster named “Somedumbname” did the research and Conrad (guy who runs FTS) made sure to highlight it in an article.
Copied from the WFNY article thatCody cites above. Note the ages w/the weights: “I just don’t get why people are worried about Noel’s weight if his playing weight was 215-220 as widely reported. All heights were sans shoes, so they are directly comparable: Nerlens Noel – 206 lbs, 6’10″, 19 yo (215-220 playing weight before injury) Kevin Garnett – 217 lbs, 6’11″, 19 yo Larry Sanders – 217 lbs, 6’10″, 21 yo Marcus Camby – 223 lbs, 6’11″, 22 yo Joakim Noah – 223 lbs, 6’10.5″, 22 yo Chris Bosh – 225 lbs, 6’10.5″, 19 yo Marcin Gortat – 225… Read more »
This just convinced me on Porter. If we could swing a trade for another top 5 and get Oladipo, it would be a good day. I found another possible comp. A Georgetown 3 who has had a very good career to this point. Jeff Green. -Minutes/PPG/FG%/3%/FT%/OReb/Reb/Ast/Stls/Blks/TOs/PFs Soph. Porter- 35.4/16.2/48%/42.2%/77.7%/1.8/7.5/2.7/1.8/0.9/1.5/2.0 Soph. Green- 32.5/11.9/44.5%/31.5%/62.4%/2.1/6.5/3.3/0.9/1.0/2.5/2.1 Jr. Green- 33.3/14.3/51.3%/37.5%/77.5%/1.7/6.4/3.2/0.8/1.2/2.6/2.5 Porter’s soph year appears to trump Green’s. Combine Measurements- Height w/shoes/Weight/Wingspan/Standing reach/NSV/MV/Agility/Sprint Green- 6’9.5’’/228/7’1.25’’/8’7’’/33.5/38.0/12/3.34 Porter- 6’8.5’’/198/7’1.5’’/8’9.5’’/27.0/36.0/11.25/3.40 The measurements show something else. Green is slightly taller and plus 30lbs on Porter. Porter has longer arms. If I understand this stuff right, Green has better verts but… Read more »
Pop has a week head start on Spo. Miami is going to probably going 7 against a physical Pacers team. I like San Antonio’s chances.
Kj – he didn’t just sit still for a month. You have apparently never done rehab before…and I hope you never have to. My guess is that a big part of his rehab is cardio and minimal weight lifting. Without the weigthlifting, you will lose muscle mass. The legs are the largest grouping of muscles…so not lifting with the lower body is going to cause you to lose that mass. The fact that he’s 4% body fat at 206 suggests a heavy cardio regime (to go with one heck of a diet.) Sitting around would not cause him to have… Read more »
Noel can alleviate some of my fears if he is (right now) working on his free throw stroke. I can honestly say I don’t think I have ever seen a worse stroke. Shaq, Tristan and Dwight Howard have nothing on the mess that is Noel’s shooting form. That being said, I still cannot comprehend the enthusiasm over using the first pick on a big man with zero offensive game who has already had two surgeries on his left knee before he is even 20 years old. With all his medical red flags, ignorance will not be an excuse if he… Read more »
Adam, Prince was also like 40 years old. And those thinking Spurs are going to cruise, I find it laughable. Miami is gonna throttle them. Hate to say it, but its true. This series with Indiana is only close cause the nba needs it to be and cause Miami was disinterested in game two, plus you can’t have a week of dead air.
5) Alex Len. I accepted that he was the pick a month ago if they drafted 4th or 5th and I was okay with it. He would fit Tristan and I don’t think he’ll bust. I like Bennett but Tristan’s value would be offset by Bennett. If it’s close go with the guy who fits your team building needs more. If it’s not close, go with the best available player. 4) McLemore-Other than Noel I think he has the highest ceiling. Be objective for a moment…McLemore is probably a better backcourt mate for Irving than Waiters. Less overlapping of attributes… Read more »
Btw, I am not the only one who saw the obvious comparisons between Noguerra and Noel: Fraschilla: Lucas Nogueira. The 7-0 Brazilian has a 7-5 wingspan, runs likes he’s in a 400-meter race and is an elite shot-blocker. There’s recent rapid improvement from “BeBe” this season in the world’s second-best basketball league — the ACB in Spain — even if his offensive game is remedial at best. The best way to put it is if Nerlens Noel is the No. 1 pick, then Nogueira is an absolute steal if he is selected by a team with a pick between Nos.… Read more »
Whew! I mean if a SUPER HONEST guy like Calipari says it, I know I can believe it! Man, what a relief!
“People have been quite concerned with the fact that the 7-footer weighed in at just 206 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine. Calipari scoffed at the idea that Noel is going to be too skinny, claiming that Noel weighed about 222 pounds during the season. The reason that Noel weighs 206 now is because the doctors advised that he cut down the weight for his ACL surgery rehab. Calipari seems to recognize that Noel will need to put on weight in the NBA, but is confident that he’ll be up around 240 pounds soon enough.”
http://www.fearthesword.com/2013/5/25/4365652/john-calipari-doesnt-think-nerlens-noels-weight-is-a-problem
I don’t understand how a person can sit still for months and LOSE weight. Shaun Bradley was for sure going to gain weight once he got in the league! Haha!
But Harden did have Elite NBA skills, Driving is his best skill, but overall all parts of offense I would say he is an elite offensive player… Porter has no elite skills as his comp. tayshaun prince had no elite skills, Good Shooter, Good Rebounder, Good Defender, Good Passer, etc. etc. etc. I dont really know why you are comparing Harden and Porter? Porter is a safe pick… and since were all making somewhat nonsensical trades, How about we trade #19 draft pick, Sac Future 1st rounder, Mem Future Unprotected first rounder, to Orlando for either the #2 Pick where… Read more »
even with noel at 220, he is still very thin for a center (consider tyler zeller is 250), and even if he adds 20-30 pounds, how does that impact his knees, which are already an issue? Just so many risks for a guy who is only good at half the game. Very few project centers end up being complete players, and the ones who do rarely do it for the team that drafts and develops them. I think Porter is a much better choice, even at #1. So what if he isn’t a “homerun” pick, people tend to forget that… Read more »
this is really fun… a bunch of mock drafts, with the cavs picks highlighted
http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/draft/publications-mock-draft-2013
Just another random thought about Noel’s offense: With the way Kyrie and Dion take it to the hole . . . when posts switch to pick them up . . . if all Noel can do is catch the ball and dunk he should average at least 12 points a game. (Up til now Zeller’s been struggling with the dunking part.)
I think the worst case scenario for Noel is Dikembe Motombo. Well, hopefully not a Motombo with bad knees. (But the doctors are going to make that call.)
Hey Kevin, how does NN compare to another 6’11 skinny big man/shot blocker with a high fade: Hot Rod Williams?
I think many of you who are concerned with Noel’s weight are forgetting to take a few things into consideration. He’s at 4% body fat. He cannot do any kind of leg weight lifting. So he’s going to lose muscle mass in his legs in this process (and the legs are the largest muscle group.) But he’s clearly working out. (If he wasn’t, he’d have a lot more than the roughly 8lbs of fat distributed on hs 6’11 frame.) Once he’s able to, he’ll add weight lifting back to his leg regiment and get his body weight back up. This… Read more »
Yep, he was a bit heavier while playing. And Evil Genius, pretty much every 19 year old Center is pretty light for the NBA, Shaq notwithstanding. You don’t see very many 19 year olds playing a high level of basketball at more than 240. Noel was thin at 220, no doubt, but he’s not as historically thin as 206 suggests. Its the difference between roughly the 35th percentile as opposed to the 1 percentile for 6’10″+ productive 19 year olds.
I’m much more worried about his super raw offense and injury history.
We will be taking Noel. The rest of this is just BS. Grant is not dumb enough to take Porter #1. That would be one of the dumbest moves ever.
@ EvilGenius
According to this Chad Ford podcast, he was playing at 220. Says the weight loss is due to not working out because of the injury.
http://www.stationcaster.com/player_skinned.php?s=70&c=1461&f=1447381
The highest playing weight he was listed at was 220 which is still ridiculously light for a C in the NBA
Can we please stop pretending like 206 was Noel’s playing weight? Yes he’s skinny, but not THAT skinny.
I am curious to see the NN comps tomorrow. Not sure there’s ever been a 6’11” big man at 206. Shorter Manute Bol? More talented Chris Johnson? Alonzo Mourning on the moon? I’ve personally got a real bad feeling about the prospect of Cavs taking NN #1. Think about it, he’s had two major knee issues and he only weighs 206. The extra weight he’s going to have to add to compete in the NBA is not going to make things any easier on the knee going forward.
Evil Genius,
Spoiler alert; I give credit to the claim from Nerlens’ camp that he played at 220 this season, and lost weight since February on doctor’s orders.
The two knee surgeries are a concern (if not for those, I never would have written any of this).
Noel, Waiters, and TT is far too much to give up for Love or Aldridge when you consider the fact that the only way those players are traded, is if they want out of town. We didn’t get a single high upside player when we lost LeBron, but we’re going to give up three top 4 picks for an all-star?
I’ll take my chances on #1, Dion, TT, Kyrie, AV, Zeller, and a bunch of cap space next offseason.
Most players don’t peak until they hit 24-28, so Lamarcus would be 31 or older by the time Kyrie would go prime. Hell no Cody. We still have a long time before we are truly contending. Which gives us plenty of time to draft Noel and see how he does, as well as see how good Kyrie, Dion, and tristan can be. Lamarcus also makes more money than all those guys combined and we’d be taking ourselves out of big money free agency as well by doing that trade. It just makes me nervous how much worse Noel was than… Read more »
KyrieSwirving,
Noel stacks up pretty well in the “comparisons” game against alot of people, but yeah, Anthony Davis was ridiculous.
Sigh…
if we didnt make the trade we could have Kyire, Dion, Tristan, Noel, and Memphis’ future pick
if we make the trade we have Kyrie, Caldwell-Pope, Aldridge, and Adams
The team may honestly be slightly better next year, Adams & KCP being good are big question marks
If Noel checks out health wise… still the biggest question in this draft… I really like my team better then yours, but its closer then I initially thought
I don’t like the #1 plus Waiters or (and?) TT for Aldridge. A 28 year old, borderline all-star who has never won a playoff series? That’s not the right guy to turn the rebuild upside down for.
@ Adam Again, I realize that’s a lot to give up. But I wanted to make the trade idea somewhat realistic. As Cavs fans, I know that we see the potential in Dion and TT. I wonder if other GMs see it that way, though. If you went to Oshley and offered TT and Dion for Aldridge, they wouldn’t accept. With the 10th pick, the Cavs could draft Caldwell-Pope. That would give them an athletic SG with good size and a legit 3 pt shot. At 19, they could draft a big like Adams (or maybe trade up to get… Read more »
they went 30-49*
Kyrie, 10th Pick, Aldridge, Varejao would be really similar to Portlands team last season just worse, No Nic Batum, and Wes Matthews, and Lillard lead the league in Minutes, where Kyrie is an injury risk… 30-49
@ Cody terrible trade, to agree with Gordon, I hope the Cavs would never do something like that Aldridge is quickly becoming one of the more overrated players in the league, very big empty stats guy, shoots a low percentage, rebounding numbers were high because nobody on the Blazers rebounds, Causing J.J. Hickson and Aldridge to be 7th and 8th in the league in double doubles, while their team ranked 24th in rebounding, I think he is a good, repeat good, player but three top four picks, and a future 1st rounder that is eventually unprotected is crazy for a… Read more »
Cody- you switch TT for Zeller in that deal, then I’d do it.
@ Gordon
The Memphis was only a throw in if necessary. The Cavs did accumulate all those pick to offer in a trade after all.
I know the Cavs are giving up a lot in that idea. Realistically, they will have to give up a lot to get an established all-star. There’s been a lot of talk in the blog about trading for Love, or Aldridge. Well, those players won’t come cheap. Looking at it from the Portland side, they’re giving up an elite PF. They wouldn’t make that trade for just Dion and TT.
@ Ben
LaMarcus is only 27. I’m not sure it will take 3 more yrs. for Kyrie to hit his stride. However, maybe we’re giving up too much in that scenario.
Cody – I think there would be a riot in Cleveland if that happened. You don’t trade three very good prospects (two of which are amongst your three core players) for a guy who will be well on the wrong side of 30 when Kyrie is hitting his stride. We lose that trade in every possible way. Maybe we are a better team next year…but you have seen the very best that LMA has to offer. I believe last year was his career high in RPG (at just over 9???) He’s an effective piece to a championship team…but we are… Read more »
@Cody – that is a terrible trade for the Cavs. You’re trading THREE top 4 picks that are 22 years old or younger, AND an additional future #1, for a player that is unhappy (only way he’d be on the block) and the #10 overall pick?
That would leave us with Kyrie, Aldridge, and the #10 overall pick in a weak draft to build around. No thanks!
Nicely done as usual, Kevin. If CG did take Porter #1, you’d probably get some moaning & groaning from the national media, but honestly, it would be hard to argue with it. It’s a safe pick, limited upside. But when you consider the upside of Irving and Waiters, a safer pick does make sense. Not every single pick should be boom or bust. That being said, I still think Noel is the pick. Off-subject here, what would everyone think of this trade: Cavs send Portland: #1 2013, Waiters, TT, if necessary – Memphis #1 pick Portland sends: Aldridge, #10 2013.… Read more »
Is usage a very meaningful metric to use comparatively at the collegiate level? I wonder if it is possible that leaving this statistic out would yield alternative comparisons that would also prove relevant. So, if we drop usage, what other possible comparisons exist?
The Cavs need to walk away from this draft with Noel and Bennett.
Underdog, I think that if any of these guys showed more in the tournament it would be that way.
Oladipo 1, best center on the board with 13, Karasev with 19. Boom.
I love Waiters but McLemore might fit Kyrie better. That should absolutely be considered in a draft like this.
I’m a big fan of Bennett. I don’t think there’s a chance he busts. Great disposition though. He’s a more above the rim player than Tristan. More physical and skilled. Maybe the Twovles aren’t using Williams right. They are one of the worst ran franchises in the last decade. They would fuck that kind of thing up. Just because the Wolves did something bad doesn’t mean that something was it’s fault. They screw everything up.
I just wish McLemore showed more in the tournament. If he had – we’d all be clamoring for him. Again, you need to have the heart of a champion. That’s why everyone likes MKG so much, who is largely a lock down defensive player with a few other decent skills.
I think we raved about McLemore. But you just get to pick one guy. McLemore is going to make somebody very happy. I’m hoping Waiters makes us as happy.
Bennett is a better outside shooter than Barkley was – and Barkley wasn’t bad (but not to 3 point range). But as talented as Barkley was – it’s his motor and competitiveness that got him into the Hall of Fame. You can only compare Bennett’s talents and game to Barkley, but not his heart.
I think the Cavs model ended up being OKC start with Morey second act. Grant has been able to be in this envious position by patiently doing it right. They are in a position that OKC wasn’t. They have more future picks and more cap room. They also have an owner who paid Shaq $20 million to guard Howard in the playoffs. Gilbert will take on tax and the casino will offset the expense. Clay Bennet won’t. That matters.
Underdog, I think you meant didn’t we not fight hard to “earn” the number one pick. Yeah they lost and both LBJ and Bosh hurt their ankles, both returned though.
While I am not a big Mclemore fan I believe we have been underrating him as a prospect. His Max Vert was 42 inches which has not been taken into account. This is 4 inches higher than Wayne Ellington and 7.5 inches higher than Mccants. I feel like if you give that extra athleticism to those two players they become noticeably better.
The extra leaping is what makes McLemore the “Wealthy Man’s” Wayne Ellington. Maybe I’m wrong, but I don’t put him at Oladipo or Porter’s level. Short, relatively low usage shooting guards who rely on the three don’t have a history of becoming really good players.
JHill – And that’s why you have to take the player with the best chance to be a star . . . and not the safe pick. We didn’t fight hard all season to win the first pick in the draft to make the safe pick. Everybody was talking OKC model all year and, if I’m not mistaken, OKC did not make the safe picks. They didn’t role the dice, they made calculated risks. Chris Grant won’t be rolling the dice . . . but Joe Namath guarantees it won’t be the safe picks, either. For the record, I’m not… Read more »
Of course, Derrick Williams will be Bennett’s comparison. Remember how everybody loved Williams last year and wanted to do everything we could to get him? Well, Bennett is the guy we thought Williams was going to be. JHill – It’s not that it can’t be done, but it’s a lot more likely if you have L James, D Wade, C Bosh, and a supporting cast that filled their roles well. L James won 60 games for the Cavs twice. And if James came back to Cleveland I would say that we could win it without Noel. Spurs are playing well.… Read more »
Great work. Really excited for the Noel post.
Kevin – I agree that he’ll be a high quality glue guy. I put his upside higher than Prince because he’d bring chemistry to a team in desperate need of it. I have the same concern for him concerning body mass that others have for Noel. In the beginning, at least Noel will have an NBA level athleticism that Porter doesn’t have. – I’d love to have both Noel and Porter. – In the NBA (No Boys Allowed) – Porter is going to take his licks. I say he’ll take them and be fine . . . but not being… Read more »
Spurs in 6. Pay yo July child support early.
Pop has a week on Spo and Indy is pummeling this finesse roster. Heat getting 1 title in four years is possible. They win less than two , its a historic sports letdown.
Underdog the heat did it last year without an elite presence down low, unless Bosh is elite. Off topic, but does anyone see either the Heat or the Pacers not getting completely picked apart by San Antonio in the finals?
Again, any of the top five guys will help the Cavs. Just because there isn’t a Kevin Durant in this draft doesn’t mean we should be disappointed by having to settle for any of these guys. It’s fun to debate this stuff . . . but I’m confident in Grant’s abilities and I’m glad he’s gutsy enough to make his own decision. That being said – Kevin’s articles elevated Oladipo and Porter in my thinking and dropped McLemore as the choice for the Cavs. But given my biases, I rank them – 1) Noel (An athletic, instinctive, hard working game… Read more »
Barkley was an absolute athletic freak. He’s never given enough credit for it. He was 6’6” at best. I don’t think Bennet will bust at all. I like the less athletic Paul George comparison. The most important thing for any prospect is his commitment to being the best player he can be. Tristan and Dion have showed that type of commitment thus far to improving their games. I see virtues in most of the possible scenarios. Noel justifiably should be the top ranked player because he physically and athletically has the highest ceiling in the draft. If you take him… Read more »
Yeah, Kevin, were you not planning on including Bennett in the series?
Due to popular demand, I can roll out a Bennett post, too. Probably next week.
Underdog,
Mixing your sarcasm with serious points is confusing. I think Porter has the ability to be a very high quality glue guy. Like Gorilla Glue or something.
I GUARANTEE that in taking the best player available with the most upside, my good friend Chris Grant will be taking . . .
1) Nerlens “Get that weak stuff outahere” Noel (to help support Kyrie “the matador” Irving) or,
2) Anthony “Charles Barkley 2.0 – if he has Charles’ motor” Bennett
And Ben F – Get on Draft Express and watch Bennett’s highlights.
Both the writers and the posters on this website are outstanding. In fact, I am sure that Chris Grant is reading all this and all the information and debate is helping him arrive at his decision. Every team needs a Porter-like glue guy. But I don’t think he’s a #1 pick. Like Ben F, I would have loved him at #4. Chris Grant said he’s taking the best player available (and I agree with you Chris). I think you can get glue guys lower down. If you aren’t planning on taking Porter (Mr. Grant), help yourself by resigning Livingston. One… Read more »
I’d love to see a Paul George comparison! They’re college stats are very similar. Porter shot a much higher % from the field. He scored less as a freshman, but that makes sense when you consider he played for a very good Georgetown team while George played for a nobody Fresno State team. Porter and George put up nearly identical numbers across the board in their sophomore campaigns, although Porter shot much better from 2PT and 3PT, with George a much better FT shooter. Athletically I’m not sure how they compare, but Porter played much better competition and equaled or… Read more »
Gordon,
Apparently Paul George has continued to grow, but at nearely the exact same age as Porter, he was only 0.25″ taller and had a shorter wingspan.
Chandler Parsons was another tall, skinny small forward with middle of the road athleticism, that was worse across the board compared to Porter at a similar age…and he’s turned into a really good two-way player. Tall, skilled small forwards are impact makers and Porter is better than most at 19 years old.
Yup, he’s really good…and I would have loved to have had him at #4 (where I expected to be picking.) I think he’s a glue guy…
Still – with that said, I absolutely LOVE the work you are doing with these!
Thanks, Ben F. Nothing mind-blowing about Porter, just lots of players that have played starter’s minutes on contending / championship NBA teams.
I like Porter…but unless you come up with something mind blowing…I am guessing that I am not going to change my stance on Noel as the #1. LOL