Detroit Pistons: 5 options for pick No. 45 in the 2019 NBA Draft
By Amaar Burton
5. Jontay Porter
The middle of the second round is the time to take chances and make some risky gambles, and there might not be a bigger gamble in the 2019 NBA Draft class than Jontay Porter.
The 6’10” sophomore is undeniably talented. A five-star recruit coming out of high school, he won SEC Sixth Man of the Year and SEC All-Freshman team honors after averaging 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds and 1.7 blocks per game during the 2017-18 season.
On the flip side, a pair of major knee injuries have earned Jontay Porter the same “injury-prone” label that is attached to his older brother, 2018 lottery pick Michael Porter Jr., who sat out what would’ve been his rookie season with the Denver Nuggets. Jontay missed all of this season for Missouri with torn ligaments in his right knee, and in March he re-tore his right ACL.
Whoever drafts Jontay most likely won’t get him onto the court in 2019-20.
Jontay Porter had the highest body fat %, slowest sprint, worst max vert at last year's combine. And now he's gonna have to sit out his 2nd straight season. Other hand, won't turn 20 until November, high skill level, obvious feel, fit for today's NBA. Interesting eval for teams.
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) March 27, 2019
His case is similar to Harry Giles, the former high school sensation whose prep career was plagued by injuries. Giles played one season at Duke before entering the 2017 NBA Draft. After the Sacramento Kings took him in the first round, he sat out one year as a medical precaution. Giles debuted this season and showed flashes (7.0 points and 3.8 rebounds in 14 minutes per game) in his limited action of being a long-term contributor.
The Pistons need depth in the frontcourt. Zaza Pachulia didn’t provide much help as a backup center for Andre Drummond, and Jon Leuer didn’t do much as a backup power forward for Blake Griffin. Midseason trade acquisition Thon Maker has potential, but remains unproven.
Porter has the skills to be a solid stretch-center or power forward, and he’s a first round talent who will most likely be available in the second round. He’s not very athletic — and what athleticism he has should take a hit given his recent knee problems — but he plays smart and has a nice shooting touch.