Michael Porter Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.
Known as “MPJ,” he was a standout at Missouri before being drafted 14th overall by the Nuggets in 2018.
Porter won his first NBA championship in 2023 and has faced significant injuries throughout his career, including multiple back surgeries.
He is recognized for his scoring ability, averaging around 16.7 points and 7 rebounds per game in recent seasons.
Siblings
Michael has a large family with several siblings involved in basketball.
He has two older sisters, Bri and Cierra, who played college basketball at the University of Missouri.
His brothers include Jontay, who was banned from the NBA for gambling violations, Coban, sentenced to prison for vehicular homicide, and Jevon, who was recently arrested for DWI.
The youngest sibling, Jayda, is a promising basketball player at Rock Bridge High School, ranked among the top prospects in her class126.
Career
Porter Jr. joined the University of Missouri as a highly touted recruit in 2017, ranked among the top prospects in his class.
He made headlines for his scoring ability and versatility on the court.
Unfortunately, his freshman season was significantly impacted by a back injury he suffered just two games into the season.
After undergoing surgery, he returned for the NCAA Tournament but played only two games, averaging 10 points and 6.7 rebounds.
Despite this limited exposure, his talent was undeniable, and he declared for the NBA Draft after the season.
Porter was selected 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the 2018 NBA Draft.
His early years in the league were challenging due to ongoing injury concerns, including recovery from his back surgery.
However, he showed flashes of brilliance when healthy.
During the 2020-2021 season, Porter emerged as a key player for the Nuggets, averaging 19 points and 7.3 rebounds per game.
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His shooting efficiency improved significantly, making him one of the most promising young talents in the league.
In the 2021-2022 season, he faced more injury challenges, missing a significant portion of the season due to back issues.
Despite this setback, he continued to demonstrate his scoring prowess when on the court.
The following season, 2022-2023, marked a breakthrough year for Porter as he contributed significantly to the Nuggets’ success.
He averaged around 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game during the regular season and played a crucial role in their playoff run, helping lead the Nuggets to their first NBA championship in franchise history.
Porter is known for his scoring ability, particularly as a shooter.
Standing at 6’10”, he possesses a unique combination of size and skill that allows him to shoot over defenders and finish at the rim.
Off the court, Porter is recognized for his strong work ethic and commitment to improving his game.
He has been open about his journey with injuries and has expressed gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career.
Accolades
Porter Jr. has achieved significant accolades throughout his basketball career.
He played a pivotal role in helping the Denver Nuggets win their first NBA championship in 2023, contributing key performances during the playoffs, including a notable 16 points and 13 rebounds in Game 5 of the Finals against the Miami Heat.
In the 2022-2023 season, Porter led the Nuggets with 188 three-pointers and averaged 17.4 points per game during the regular season.
His performance earned him a five-year, $172 million rookie extension, which could increase to $207 million if he makes an All-NBA Team.
Additionally, he surpassed Dale Ellis’ franchise record for three-pointers in a season with 193 made shots in March 2024.
