Bagley, Porter top draft’s list of forwards

Marvin Bagley III dominated at Duke, while fellow freshman Michael Porter Jr. barely saw action at Missouri due to injury. Yet they’ll likely be the first forwards called during Thursday’s draft. Bagley is a possible No. 1 overall pick and double-double machine. But many considered Porter to be the top NBA prospect in last year’s class as he works to prove he’s past the back injury that limited his college career to just three games. Here’s a look at the top forwards in the draft:

BAGLEY: He was Associated Press player of the year in the Atlantic Coast Conference and a first-team All-American.

STRENGTHS: The 6-foot11 forward has athleticism, inside-out ability, length. He averaged 21 points and 11.1 rebounds while shooting 61 percent from the floor and nearly 40 percent from 3-point range. He has good touch around the rim, the ability to shoot over defenders and was a strong finisher.

CONCERNS: Bagley is still developing defensively, particularly when it comes with what is happening away from the ball. He also tends to be too left-hand reliant at times and needs to improve going the other way.

PORTER: The injury creates plenty of uncertainty and makes the 6-10 forward a bit of a wild card, one who could return top-of-the-draft value for a mid-lottery price.

STRENGTHS: Porter was considered by many as last year’s top recruit. He was a McDonald’s All-American in high school after averaging 36.2 points, 13.6 rebounds during his senior year.

CONCERNS: There’s little to evaluate with Porter against college competition considering he was hurt minutes into the season opener.

MILES BRIDGES: Michigan State’s sophomore is a pro-ready 6-7 body.

STRENGTHS: Bridges did a lot of things well last year while averaging 17.1 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.7 assists. He’s strong enough to both tussle with bigger players and overpower perimeter forwards. And he was excellent at the foul line (.853).

CONCERNS: Bridges needs to continue honing his perimeter skills. He shot nearly 39 percent from 3-point range as a freshman, but slid to 36 percent last year.

MIKAL BRIDGES: The 6-7 junior swingman developed into a potential top-10 pick for national champ Villanova.

STRENGTHS: Bridges offers the desired combination of 3-point shooting and defensive ability. Bridges shot nearly 44 percent from behind the arc. He also has the length to be a disruptive defender after leading the Wildcats with 61 steals.

CONCERNS: Bridges needs to add strength to a lean 209pound frame.

KEVIN KNOX: The 6-9 freshman out of Kentucky brings good size and shooting range.

STRENGTHS: Knox has NBA shooting range, fluid offensive moves and the ability to get out in transition.

CONCERNS: He was a bit of a streaky shooter at times who hit just 34 percent of his 3-pointers. He also could be a tougher rebounder.