Draft tactics aren’t new, shocking the opposition, as they question why a player isn’t wearing their colors. However, most of them are calculated risks. In the 2018 NBA draft, Clippers owner Steve Ballmer overlooked Michael Porter Jr. who eventually helped the Nuggets to win the Championship title in 2023. Even this offseason, the trade rumor regarding the small forward’s transfer to LA for Paul George popped up in July. However, the Clippers could not afford the 26-year-old’s lucrative contract. Deep into the offseason, Porter Jr has himself revealed why even the possibility of a rumor got out.

Michael Porter Jr. shed light on his connection with the Clippers owner while discussing his draft class on the Off Guard with Austin Rivers podcast. Porter’s lower back injury during the 2017-18 season was a concern to his launch as a pro. Yet NBA executives urged him to return to play for Missouri. However, it seems it was not clear for all teams. “The Clippers had 12 and 13 (pick). It was their doctor who wrote the report of the evaluation on me. They said I’ll never play again. So I think that’s why they did not pick me, “ Michael Porter Jr. revealed.

“You know Steve Ballmer, growing up playing in Seattle under Brandon Roy, Steve Ballmer pulled all the games. He wanted me at 12 or 13 bad!” the Nuggets small forward added to his revelation. The Ringer’s Kevin O’Conner indeed reported in May 2018 that “a front-office exec said that Michael Porter Jr. is a possible target for the Clippers.” Even Steve Ballmer had mentioned the Missouri Tigers forward in 2017 on Bill Simmons’ podcast, as per O’Conner. However, the injury report for Porter Jr. seems to have ruined it all.

Instead, the Clippers chose Shai-Gilgeous Alexander at the 11th pick and Jerome Robinson at the 13th pick. However, Steve Ballmer did not value the SGA pick while chasing bigger treasures and gave him away in one of the worst transactions in sporting history.

Steve Ballmer’s trade mistake fueled OKC Thunder as a formidable force in the West!

Scoring north of 30 points a game last season, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander was the gem that Steve Ballmer gave up. The 2x NBA All-Star must’ve displayed flashes of his potential, however, it is safe to assume that the Clippers coaching staff missed that part. Rather, they were too focused on uniting the prestigious two-way wings, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard.

For the PG trade, the Clippers had to let go of SGA, Danilo Gallinari, along with five first-round picks and two first-round pick swaps. It was like giving a package to assemble the Championship cast for OKC. The OKC then drafted Jalen Williams in 2022, who averaged 19.1 points, 4 rebounds, and 4.5 assists last season. On top of that, they got in Chet Holmgren in 2022 with their No.2 pick. Though he missed his first season due to the Lisfranc foot injury, he played 82 regular season games last season.

The young power forward averaged 16.5 points last season, showcasing his prowess on the defensive end with just under 8 boards per game. And it was his rookie season. The 22-year-old has room for immense growth in the future. So if OKC manages to clinch the NBA Championship in upcoming years, all the credit will go to the gift package from Steve Ballmer and the Clippers front office.

Before you go, do not forget to check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Asia Avinger