Michael Porter Jr. is stepping into a fresh chapter with the Brooklyn Nets this season. He made it clear during media day that he’s entering with confidence both on and off the court. The young forward wants fans to expect big things as he turns the page from his six-year career with the Denver Nuggets.
Last season, Porter had the chance to play alongside Russell Westbrook. Yet, while the partnership showed promise, outside noise painted a different picture. Reports claimed that Westbrook was causing disruption in the locker room. On Justin Laboy’s “Respectfully” podcast, Porter firmly denied those claims while sharing his personal experience with the veteran guard.
“So Russ, here’s the thing, it would be hard for any player to go from being the MVP of the NBA to then taking on a role off bench. When he went to LA, he was disrespected crazy. When he came over with us, he came in with great energy; he really bought in to the system and cheering people on. The things that came out were normal things that happen within an 82-game season. It was strange. I looked up to Russ,” Porter Jr. said.
“Me and Russ have a good relationship. I looked up to Russ in a lot of ways. so it was nothing major to where he’s like this terrible locker room guy. No no no. Russ he’s a real positive you know dude for sure right yeah no. I love that man,” he added.
Porter Jr. Balances Nets Opportunity With Uncertain Playing Timeline
Beyond discussing teammates, Porter Jr. also revealed that his career outlook is something he takes year by year. Injuries have left him uncertain about how long he wants to keep playing at the highest level.
“Because of the injuries and stuff, I don’t know how much longer I really want to play. Like, I want to play as long as I can, but people don’t understand the things I’ve got to go through on a daily basis—just to get out on the court and play with the best athletes in the world,” Porter Jr. said.
As he prepares for his first season with the Nets, Porter has already set his sights on facing his former team. With Brooklyn scheduled to battle Denver, the forward has hinted at bringing a competitive edge into the matchup.
The post Michael Porter Jr. Defends Russell Westbrook Against Harsh Narratives, Calls Out Disrespect From His LA Tenure originally published on Total Pro Sports.