Before Kevin Porter Jr. had a disappointing one-season career at the University of Southern California, he was considered to be a surefire future lottery pick amongst many NBA fans and analysts.
After averaging just 9.8 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 1.4 assists in 21 games at USC, Porter saw his draft stock plummet. That allowed the Cleveland Cavaliers to select the shooting guard with the 30th overall position in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Now, with just over two months until opening night of the 2019-20 NBA regular season, Porter’s peers have participated in a survey to vote the Cavs rookie as one of the two biggest steals of the draft.
According to this year’s survey, 19 percent of incoming rookies believe that Porter was the biggest steal. He was tied with Denver Nuggets big man Bol Bol.
There was already a lot to be excited about Porter immediately after the Cavs drafted him. Throughout the summer, that excitement has only grown as executives and former All-Stars alike have raved about his potential.
On the rebuilding Cavs, Porter will have ample opportunity to live up to his peers’ expectations for him. If he can keep his head on straight, and adopt the lifestyle necessary to succeed in the league, Porter could prove an incredibly valuable member of the team’s young core for seasons to come.
