Monday, June 10, 2019

2019 Celtics Draft Prospects: Kevin Porter Jr.


Due to the expert negotiating skills of Celtics GM Danny Ainge, the Celtics, yet again, have multiple first-round picks. Boston will be selecting the No. 14, 20 and 21 in the 2019 NBA Draft. Here's a look at a potential prospect Ainge and co. will have their eyes on...

The Celtics brought in one of the draft's top talented athletes in Kevin Porter Jr. last week. These draft workouts are important because it gives us a chance to see who and what the Celtics are looking for ahead of June 20's NBA Draft.

Porter Jr. is a 6-foot-5 left-handed shooting guard who just finished his freshman year at USC. To some extent, it is safe to say that age and college experience doesn't matter in the NBA anymore.

For example, Kyrie Irving and Jayson Tatum: both drafted top-three in their respective class, with less than a full season of college ball. Porter Jr. finished the 2018-19 season with averages of .471 FG%, .412 3FG%, 9.5 points, 1.4 assists, 0.8 steals and 0.5 blocks per game in 21 games for the Trojans, while starting in only four of them.

Even though it's a small sample size, you still can't judge a book by its cover. After watching one hour of tape on Porter Jr., my jaw dropped in astonishment. He has very long strides on the court and is explosive under the basket; offensively and defensively.

He seems tremendously agile with a handful of tricks in his arsenal. His ball handles are very impressive for a guy of his size. Something I noticed about Porter Jr. is that he is very patient in the paint when driving in or around the lane.

Similar to Le'Veon Bell, he strategically waits and hesitates for his hole to open up so he can run through it. Although it is a completely different sport, the concept I am trying to depict is the same.

His versatility and size would fit in well with the Celtics. Porter Jr. could eventually play the forward position along with the two spot. I think he has a smooth looking 3-point stroke and can hit it with the best of them. Porter Jr. has a counter move for every move he has.

That alone sets him apart from most. Projected to be a mid-to-late first-rounder, the Celtics have a great chance at selecting him with any one of their three first-round picks.



Justin Trombino 




Picture used courtesy of Getty Images

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