Orlando Magic: 5 options for pick No. 16 in 2019 NBA Draft
By Alec Liebsch
![SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts to a play against the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 22: Nickeil Alexander-Walker #4 of the Virginia Tech Hokies reacts to a play against the Saint Louis Billikens during their game in the First Round of the NCAA Basketball Tournament at SAP Center on March 22, 2019 in San Jose, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/211604d8799bb4d8dd14859ec1a830a5da263707ebc05a494005777ffb34640e.jpg)
1. Kevin Porter Jr.
Arguably the most polarizing prospect in the draft after Bol Bol, Kevin Porter Jr. is either loved or hated by scouts. The trajectory of his career will be a huge lesson for scouts across the NBA.
At 6’5.5″ and 214 pounds with the skill-set of a scoring guard, Porter has a chance to be the best scorer in the draft. Coupled with a 6’9″ wingspan and the tenacity of an on-court killer, he’s got the physical makeup to shine on both ends in today’s NBA.
What holds him back is his noggin. At USC he was essentially a zero without the ball, losing engagement more often that you’d like. He also had a propensity to take terrible shots, bringing up questions about his maturity and basketball I.Q.
An argument in his favor is that Southern Cal’s system wasn’t exactly tailored for Porter. He was brought in to be groomed by year two, but scouts pinpointed him too quickly for USC’s liking.
For Porter to thrive, he likely needs to have the ball in his hands early, so that he’s forced to make smart decisions within a structured offense. What better place to maximize those skills than with Clifford, who made Grant useful for a grip?
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Porter is definitely a long-term play, but at No. 16, he’ll be one of the few prospects left with legitimate star upside. The Magic will need a franchise face at some point, and it doesn’t look like anyone on the current roster will fit that bill.