2-Time All-Star Raves About Cavs Rookie Kevin Porter Jr.

Could the Cleveland Cavaliers have a draft gem on their hands in Kevin Porter Jr going into the 2019-20 season?

One NBA player thinks so.

Porter was the 30th overall pick in this June’s draft. Originally selected by the Milwaukee Bucks, he was traded on draft day to the Detroit Pistons, then sent to the Cleveland Cavaliers just days later for cash and four future second-round draft picks.

Porter played one season at the University of Southern California, averaging a modest 9.5 points per game in 22.1 minutes of playing time. He did, however, shoot a robust 41.2 percent from three-point range.

Isaiah Thomas can relate to being an unheralded rookie. In the 2011 NBA Draft he was the 60th and final player chosen. He immediately became a decent player for the Sacramento Kings, averaging 11.5 points and 4.1 assists per game in his rookie season.

Four seasons later with the Boston Celtics, Thomas blossomed, making the NBA All-Star team two years in a row. In the 2016-17 season he averaged 28.9 points and 5.9 assists per game and got some MVP consideration while helping the Celtics reach the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers.