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2019 Draft, Pick #30 - Kevin Porter Jr., USC

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Stark

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Kevin Porter Jr. is a powerfully built, athletic guard who flashed dynamic scoring ability in an injury-shortened season as USC. An immediate starter at Rainer Beach High School in his native Seattle, Washington, Porter emerged as a prospect early in his career, but steadily improved into a consensus top-35 player in the high school class of 2018. Emerging as an impact player for the Trojans from day one, Porter spent much of the year coming off the bench for Andy Enfield missing several games over the course of the season with quad and ankle injuries. The 18-year-old freshman finished the season averaged 9.5 points and 4 rebounds per game while shooting 41% from beyond the arc putting points on the board in impressive fashion on his best nights.

  • Possesses prototypical size for a wing measured at 6’5.5 in shoes with a 6’9 wingspan at the NBA Combine to go along with a strong 213-pound frame. Combines those attributes with good quickness, impressive explosiveness, and deceptive footwork.
  • May have provided some highlight reel material with his athleticism in transition and attacking the rim, but did much of his damage as a jump shooter in the zone-heavy Pac-12. Showed some ability as a floor spacer, but regularly created his own shot off the dribble - flashing intriguing creativity with the ball in his hands. Figured prominently into USC’s offense when he was on the floor.
Defensive Analysis

  • Has significant potential defensively with his combination of length and agility. Fared well defending on the ball last season but is still early in his development as an off-ball defender. Chips in on the glass impressively.
  • Allowed0.409 points per Isolation possession [93rd percentile] showing good feet. Ability to fight through screens and anticipate away from the play is a work in progress.
Career Highlights

  • Finished sixth in the Pac-12 in three-point shooting percentage (41.2) in 2018-19.
  • As a High School Senior, named Co-Player of the Year at the 2018 Allen Iverson Roundball Classic.
  • Voted the No. 1 player in the state of Washington and named Washington’s Mr. Basketball.
Freshman (2018-19)

  • Averaged 9.5 points and 4.0 rebounds in 22.1 minutes.
  • Shot 47.1 percent from the field.
  • Appeared in 21 of 33 games (four starts), missing time with a thigh injury as well as two games due to team suspension for undisclosed reasons.
High School

  • Attended same school (Seattle’s Rainier Beach) that produced future NBA guards Jamal Crawford, Nate Robinson, Dejounte Murray, Doug Christie and Terrence Williams.
  • Averaged 27 points, 14 rebounds and five assists as a Senior.
  • No. 16 recruit in the 2018 class by Rivals and No. 28 by 247 Sports.
Strengths

  • Powerful athlete with terrific size and body control.
  • Instinctive scorer and natural shot creator.
  • Excels in one-on-one scoring situations.
  • Shows potential as a passer.
Personal

  • Was 4 years old when his father was murdered in 2004.
  • NBA guard Jamal Crawford has served as a mentor.
  • Teamed with current San Antonio Spurs guard Dejounte Murray at Rainier Beach High School in Seattle.
 
Anyone have details on the actually trade better not be a future first. Hopefully they buy a second round pick and draft Bol-Bol
 
This kid will bring fire off the bench.

What happened to cause his suspension in college?
 
Chris Brickley also just called KPJ the steal of the draft, that he's the best isolation player in the draft and a lot of people will regret passing on him.

Bottom line is this is the king of swing you take at #30. We have the right coach to help develop the kid, hopefully he buys in - the talent is there.
 
Anyone have details on the actually trade better not be a future first. Hopefully they buy a second round pick and draft Bol-Bol
4 2nd round picks as we have a lot from our previous trades.
 
I like what the Stepien said, that Porter's high end is what JR Smith could have been. Porter is a guy Bielien can work with. I think if the Cavs can provide good structure around him that he has a very high ceiling. Chances are he won't reach it, but taking a leap on a guy at 30 that many felt was a lottery talent is not a bad bet. I've seen a few Harden comparisons on him - which is nuts - but some theorize with better structure and coaching that his ceiling could go up that high. But he doesn't have to be all that if you get him at 30. If he becomes a solid rotational piece, you still win.
 

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