Memphis Grizzlies Treading Lightly with Michael Porter, Jr.
Along with potential, red flags come with Michael Porter, Jr. The Memphis Grizzlies are playing it smart — for now.
The 2018 NBA Draft is just 27 days away. The clock is winding down. The association is preparing to open its doors to another group of talented ballers.
Gary Parrish — a college basketball expert that regularly supplies content for CBS and 92.9 ESPN Radio in Memphis, Tennessee — provided some inside info of the Memphis Grizzlies’ Draft process (directly below). It pertains to Missouri’s Michael Porter, Jr.
Gary Parrish said he was told by a source it’s a “non-starter” for the Grizzlies if they are not given access to Michael Porter medicals. In other words, they can’t draft him without access to medicals. Porter will get to decide what franchises see his medical records.
— 929ESPN (@929espn) May 23, 2018
If this information is true, Memphis will not even consider Michael Porter, Jr. at the fourth overall pick in the Draft if he does not provide his medical records, which is surprising but refreshing to hear. Just maybe the Grizzlies’ Front Office is finally getting away from their dysfunctional ways during the Draft process.
On the other hand, if Porter does provide his medical records, his name is back in play on the Draft board. That is, if those records indicate his back issues — stemming from a significant back surgery approximately one year ago — are not severe and do not hint at prolonged reoccurrences.
The Memphis Grizzlies do not need to play with fire this season. They need to stay far away from big risks. If there are red flags surrounding a player, then continue to sprint in the opposite direction. The Grizz are doing the responsible thing for the fan base — show interest, investigate, conduct research, but take the red flags seriously. Align all of these factors in comparison with other top prospects on the board by the time Draft Pick No. 4 rolls around.
When considering Michael Porter, Jr., he could wind up being an NBA All-Star. However, serious back issues do not permanently go away. They linger. Especially when throwing his 6’11” frame into the equation, that is a lot of banging and bruising Porter’s body will experience throughout an 82-game regular season schedule. He may seem fine now, but how will his back look in five years? This could be a potential Greg Oden 2.0 story in the making.
Memphis is an NBA franchise prone to the injury bug. After all, they set a league record in 2015-16 for a total of 28 different players having landed at their roster during that particular season. This perfectly summarizes their injury woes over the years.
It is time to not risk it all and select a player that will likely be a star. With such great depth in this impending rookie crop, the Memphis Grizzlies are in excellent shape to select a player that will supply a high return on investment.
Marvin Bagley. Wendell Carter. Jaren Jackson, Jr. Even the European, Luka Doncic. Memphis needs to roll the dice on fulfillment of potential rather than pray for miracle healing powers.
The Grizzlies need to make a solid pick that will not only set the franchise up for immediate success in the final years of their veteran core, but also plan ahead for the next phase of the franchise — post-Gasol, post-Conley.
Go Grizz!