Often criticized in recent years, the Clippers obviously did not gain fans during the 2018 draft. One player attacked the franchise, and especially his doctor. A big error of appreciation, which is expensive on arrival.
In the 2018 draft, the Clippers have several well-placed picks. They have the 12th and 13th choice, something to strengthen with a few young players, or to exchange in order to attract a confirmed veteran, or even better. In the end, the front office quickly made bad choices by going to pick up Miles Bridges (sent to Charlotte), then Jerome Robinson.
But during this draft, it’s the 14th choice that makes a lot of talk: Michael Porter Jr. Seen as a potential first pick for a long time, a back injury causes him to fall. But what condemns him when he arrived in the NBA is the damning report from a Clippers doctor.
What was he saying? That MPJ might never be able to play basketball. The person explains in a recent podcast:
The Clippers had the 12th and 13th picks and the doctor who did my assessment said, “I don’t know if this guy will be able to play, nobody should take him.” So I went down to 14th place, and the Clippers zapped me twice.
Many teams chose to skip Porter Jr, even though the talent was there. But was health going to hold up? Obviously, many executives decided to believe the Doctor of the Clippers, which turned out to be a bad idea. MPJ is the happiness of the Nuggets today with 19 points and 7.3 rebounds on average, and needless to say that at 23 years old, his room for improvement is very present.
However, could he have reached this level without a problem with the Clippers, and more specifically in Los Angeles? Perhaps, according to the player’s admission:
To be honest, maybe it was a sign from God. We all know how crazy Los Angeles can be, so who knows? As a rookie in this city, having to re-educate without even playing? I could have done other things, so I’m where I finally need to be.
Denver rather than Los Angeles? Yes, in terms of festivities, it’s not the same thing. Good for Michael Porter Jr, who was able to focus on his health and return to a high level of play. The injuries are behind him, to the delight of the Nuggets.
