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Denver Nuggets: 2018 NBA Draft grades

By Matthew Hallett

BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Michael Porter Jr. talks to the media after being selected fourteenth overall by the Denver Nuggets on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images)
BROOKLYN, NY - JUNE 21: Michael Porter Jr. talks to the media after being selected fourteenth overall by the Denver Nuggets on June 21, 2018 at Barclays Center during the 2018 NBA Draft in Brooklyn, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Michael J. LeBrecht II/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images) /

No. 14: Michael Porter Jr., Missouri

With the 14th pick, the Denver Nuggets selected Michael Porter Jr. from Missouri. Considering Porter was considered a top pick before his back and hip issues, these words are potentially music to the ears of anyone associated with the Nuggets.

Porter is a 6’11” forward with a tremendous leaping ability and the ability to hit shots from both inside and out — when he can make it on the court, that is. Porter was only able to play three games for Missouri last season for a total of 53 minutes.

Players often miss time due to injury, but there is always great concern when it’s a back injury. Porter had to cancel several workouts with teams due to the injury prior to the draft. There is a chance that Porter may have to miss games this season due to the injury, making this pick a risk.

However, if MPJ is able to clear up his injuries and take the court with regularity, he will show the abilities that had hi, rated as a top-five pick coming out of high school. He has the ability to add depth to the Nuggets in the frontcourt, which will make them even more difficult to defend.

This is a conditional grade. f he plays, this will be the steal of the draft. If he does not play, then the Nuggets will have (obviously) wasted this pick.

Grade: A+

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