5 players the Portland Trail Blazers should consider trading up for

3. Michael Porter Jr.

• Height: 6’10”
• Weight: 211 lbs
• Position: SF/PF
• Age: 19

Throughout the entire draft process, Michael Porter Jr. has been a popular name. He was the Gatorade National Player of the Year in high school as a senior. He was also a top-five recruit. He went to the University of Missouri and suffered a severe back injury that forced him to miss all of the season besides the last two games. Porter’s draft stock took a hit because of his injury and lack of success at the college level.

But as we have been getting closer to draft night, Porter’s name has resurfaced as a guy being talked about as a top-four pick. Porter is 6”10”, can play small forward, small-ball power forward and maybe even some small-ball center. He has fantastic offensives skills and could be a nightmare for defenses to guard down the line. ESPN has Porter has the sixth-best player in the class.

In his only season in college, Porter averaged 10.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.0 steals in 17.7 minutes per game while shooting 33.3 percent from the field and 30.0 percent from the free throw line. Porter appeared in three total games. He has a good jump shot with a high release and can score in a variety of ways. Porter also has the tools to be a decent defender in the league if he wants to be.

If the Blazers want to add Porter to their roster, they will have to enter the top-four of the lottery. They could make a deal with the Grizzlies for the No. 4 pick or the Kings for the No. 2 pick. Porter would give the Blazers another playmaking scorer, and he could take some pressure off of Lillard and McCollum. Porter can also play off the ball and space the floor with his 3-point shooting ability. He is a smart player, makes good cuts and finds ways to get open.

Depending on who the Blazers give up to acquire a top pick, Porter could start at either the small forward or power forward position. He has the size and skill on both ends to be a multiple-time All-Star and could end up being the best player from this draft class. If the Blazers do make a deal to acquire the talented forward, this team could look a little different next season as they may start to build around Porter for the future.