NBA: Draft: Mavs are “extremely impressed” by Porter

The Dallas Mavericks have the No.5 pick in the coming draft and hope to get a new franchise player. 247 Sports says they seem to have their eye on Michael Porter, Jr.

The forward did a private workout in Chicago this week, including the Mavericks. According to the report, they left the appointment “extremely impressed” by Porter’s versatility – if he’s healthy, the Mavs even consider him a “Top 3” prospect in the draft.

In ESPN’s latest mock draft, Porter is in 8th place, but in recent weeks he seems to have impressed several teams with lottery picks. “I’m the best player this year,” Porter said himself as part of the combine.

Porter was considered a relatively probable No.1 pick about a year ago, but injured Missouri after just two minutes in his first NCAA game and then missed a full four months. He played only three games in college and was subsequently overtaken by other prospects such as DeAndre Ayton, Marvin Bagley or Jaren Jackson.

The Mavericks, however, are keeping all their options open and are looking at various other talents until the draft on 22 June. Next week the centers Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter in Dallas will play.