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2018 NBA Draft: 5 potential first round steals

By Bobby Friedman

Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images
Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images /
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(Photo by Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Lawrence/NBAE via Getty Images) /

1. Michael Porter Jr., SF/PF — Denver Nuggets (No. 14)

Michael Porter Jr.’s health concerns were one of the biggest storylines leading up to the 2018 NBA Draft. While he is indeed a huge risk with nagging back and hip injuries, to see him slide all the way down to No. 14 was a bit much.

The truth is that, when healthy, he is a generational talent, and a centerpiece prototype for the modern NBA team: a score-first, oversized small forward with a nearly impossible-to-defend jumper and elite size. It’s a skill-set combination that’s perfect for transition basketball.

Porter checks all of these boxes, and while he doesn’t play elite defense, he will be a perfect fit (if and when he’s healthy) for the Denver Nuggets’ high-pace, offensively geared system. They have plenty of depth with Paul Millsap ahead of him at the power forward position, but his opportunity will also hinge upon their ability to re-sign Will Barton, and of course, Porter’s health.

Next: Complete 2018 NBA Draft grades for all 30 teams

His impact in Denver may not even come to fruition this season. There are indeed a lot of question marks, but for a guy who was recently considered a top three selection to slide all the way to No. 14 is too tempting to not include as a potential steal of the draft.