The Memphis Grizzlies are on the verge of making the most crucial pick in franchise history, but why are things falling apart?
It feels like this every year. Fans get excited for one or two prospects that will fall to Memphis, but the Grizzlies’ Front Office always throws that curve ball last minute. This year is no different. Three or four different prospects are on the table, nothing guaranteed is in front of them, and they promise a prospect a chance to play in Memphis. An injured prospect on top of that.
Michael Porter Jr.’s group canceled a workout scheduled on Friday, per league sources. The Knicks, Suns, Kings and other lottery teams had planned to attend in Chicago.@ringer's mock draft is updated to reflect the latest intel, including Porter rising: https://t.co/0PYq9NNvWx
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) June 14, 2018
Michael Porter Jr., out of the University of Missouri, canceled his workout tomorrow. Yesterday, he could not get out of bed due to a hip injury, but MRI showed no damage.
Teams have been informed that Michael Porter Jr. is feeling better and MRI returned clean, with "positive review," league sources told Yahoo. Workout assessment could be rescheduled on Friday, sources said, but decision likely comes later today. https://t.co/bUkiFyQMkq
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 14, 2018
Securing the Grizzlies’ promise?
Several theories have been thrown around about Porter and the Grizzlies since the first news broke regarding his workout cancellation. Mutual interest between Porter and the Grizzlies’ Front Office? This is not the first time the Grizzlies gave their word to a prospect, but it seems that Porter could be taking this a little bit more seriously then past recruits.
Several hours after news broke about Porter, the Sacramento Kings were rumored to be in his sweepstakes as well, and I do not think Porter would want to be a member of the Kings.
Not questioning JG, just thinking...
— Jonathan Wasserman (@NBADraftWass) June 14, 2018
Only ones who'd know if Porter "couldn't get out of bed" would be fam/agent. If they wanted him to go as early as possible, they'd want to conceal that info, not release it.
Could be move by Porter's camp to scare away certain teams (Kings). https://t.co/4dTbRFtRtU
This is possibly a reach, but what goes on behind closed doors in the NBA makes me think that this could be a high possibility. Porter Jr. wants Memphis, and Memphis wants him. A promise, if broken by another team, could leave Memphis scrambling for a Plan B that does not exist in their draft preparation.