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Minnesota Timberwolves: Jontay Porter is the sleeper of the 2019 NBA Draft

By Andrew Neururer

NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Jontay Porter #11 of the Missouri Tigers leads a fastbreak up the court against the Florida State Seminoles during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - MARCH 16: Jontay Porter #11 of the Missouri Tigers leads a fastbreak up the court against the Florida State Seminoles during the game in the first round of the 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament at Bridgestone Arena on March 16, 2018 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by Frederick Breedon/Getty Images) /
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The Minnesota Timberwolves have the No. 43 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. Jontay Porter is a sleeper they can steal late in the draft.

The 2019 NBA Draft will be taking place on Thursday, June 20. With that said, we all have our favorites in the first round, whether that be Coby White, Sekou Doumbouya, Nassir Little, Brandon Clarke, or someone else. What about who the Minnesota Timberwolves can find in the second round?

Last year they were able to snag Keita Bates-Diop and he looks to be a good pickup. Albeit, the 2019 NBA Draft isn’t a deep class, but that doesn’t mean they can’t find a solid player late in the draft. That player this time around is Missouri forward, Jontay Porter.

Porter is the younger brother of Denver Nuggets Michael Porter Jr. While Jontay Porter might not have the same level of talent, he’s still a good player. Porter was pegged to potentially go in the first round of the 2018 NBA Draft, but decided to go back to school for another go around. However, he tore his ACL and MCL in a scrimmage back in 2018. He then tore his ACL again while he was rehabbing his knee injury.

Taking Porter means taking a risk on a player who has had many injury issues over the past few years. He certainly had he talent to go in the first round if he didn’t once again get hurt. In the second round, it makes sense to take that low-risk high-reward type of bargain.

During the 2017-18 season, he averaged 9.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.2 assists, 1.7 blocks and 0.8 steals. He also shot 43.7 percent from the field and 36.4 percent from 3-point range. Porter is a guy who can stretch the floor, rebound and play defense. Standing in at 6’11” and 240 pounds, Porter is athletic enough to play small-ball center in certain situations.

At pick No. 42 you’re not likely going to find a guy who can be an NBA All-Star, but rather someone who can be a rotational role player. Porter can be that person, but also has the ability to go out and be a starter for the Timberwolves over the course of the next few years.

Next. Minnesota Timberwolves Draft Profile: Rui Hachimura. dark

There’s uncertainty at the power forward position and the Minnesota Timberwolves could look to make some noise and find someone to fill that void. The Wolves have likely done their homework on Porter and have looked through the medicals to see where he’s at. If he can remain healthy, he will prove to be worth more than a second roud pick.