New York Knicks: 5 options for pick No. 9 in 2018 NBA Draft

5. Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. came into the 2017-18 season with some high expectations. He was expected to help bring Missouri’s basketball program back to prominence along with his brother, Jontay, who reclassified to play with Michael. However, things did not go as planned.

Porter suffered a back injury that cost him all but three games. He started the first game of the season against Iowa State but lasted only two minutes. That game was on Nov. 10. He wouldn’t get back on the court until March 8 during the SEC tournament.

Missouri’s stays in the conference tournament and NCAA Tournament were both short-lived. They lost in the first round of both.

Porter looked rusty upon his return. He shot 9-of-29 in the two games he came back for, including 3-of-10 from 3-point land. Porter did rebound the ball well, snagging 18 total.

Porter didn’t improve his stock by returning, but he may have hurt it slightly. Coming into the season, he was believed to be the surefire top pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. That is unlikely to happen, but if he is available when the Knicks come on the clock they would have to seriously consider him.

His athleticism and scoring prowess could give the Knicks a second go-to option alongside Kristaps Pozingis once he is healthy. At 6’10”, Porter possesses the size to play both forward spots, giving the Knicks much-needed versatility.