CLEVELAND — Craig Porter Jr. got engaged on June 11, participated in the NBA Summer League in July and spent the rest of the offseason training with the Cavaliers.
Sweat dripped and vacations ended. The dedication was Porter’s response to a challenge issued by Cavs coach Kenny Atkinson. Fifteen games into the 2025-26 season, the sacrifices have paid off for Porter, a 25-year-old guard.
“He’s got so much pop out there, and the basketball player is darn good,” Atkinson said. “He made a commitment to his body and getting in not good shape — great shape, elite shape. He’s in elite shape right now.”
Porter helped the Cavs overcome a “slog” — the word Atkinson used to encapsulate the team’s lack of focus and tendency to commit turnovers — en route to a 118-106 win against the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 17 at Rocket Arena.
Porter contributed 11 points on 5-of-6 shooting from the field (1 of 2 on 3-pointers) and two steals in 20 minutes off the bench. He made his first five shot attempts and scored nine of his points in the second half.
Atkinson said Porter “changed the complexion of the game” for the Cavs (10-5) with his defensive pressure against the Bucks (8-7).
“My whole life I’ve kind of been used to being in a role and being a role player,” Porter said. “Just being able to change a game was something I just kind of take pride in, whether it be scoring or getting steals, blocks, whatever it may be. I just try to complement any game any way I can, and I just try to make that the main focus, especially just to make sure I can get on the floor. I feel like that’s one way I can.”
Craig Porter Jr. receives attention of Cleveland Cavs after highlight steal and dunk vs. Milwaukee Bucks
With 5:25 left in the third quarter, Porter turned a steal off a pass by Bucks guard Gary Trent Jr. into a fast-break dunk over guard Ryan Rollins and a 77-72 Cavs lead.
Atkinson conceded he didn’t think Porter would have made the same play last season. The difference this season is the behind-the-scenes effort Porter has put forth to position himself to produce those types of highlights.
“I’m bought in,” said Porter, who joined the Cavs in 2023 when they signed him to a two-way contract as an undrafted rookie out of Wichita State University. “I want to improve in every aspect. I feel like that was big, and it’s just showing, honestly.”
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter Jr. had a ‘heroic’ performance last week in Miami
List as 6 feet, 2 inches and 188 pounds, Porter is averaging 5.9 points on 53% shooting from the field (44.4% on 3-pointers), 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.1 steals in 17.3 minutes this season.
Another one of Porter’s standout performances this season occurred on Nov. 12, when the Cavs won 130-116 at the Miami Heat. Porter compiled 19 points, nine assists, four rebounds, four blocked shots and two steals in 32 minutes off the bench. Atkinson called it a “heroic” outing.
“He didn’t leave Cleveland,” Cavs All-NBA guard Donovan Mitchell said. “He was here all summer and put a lot of work in. … For him, [it was about] learning how to be a pro and learning how to work and consistently doing it, taking time [to be in the gym when] you could be on a beach.”
Donovan Mitchell scores 37 points for Cavs. Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo leaves game with injury
Mitchell scored a game-high 37 points on 14-of-22 shooting from the field (4 of 8 on 3-pointers) against the Bucks, whose superstar forward, Giannis Antetokounmpo, played just 13 minutes before leaving the game for good with a left groin strain and 14 points.
Cavs guard Sam Merrill added 20 points on 7-of-10 shooting from the floor (6 of 9 on 3s). Forward Evan Mobley had 14 points, and center Jarrett Allen finished with 12.
Cleveland Cavs guard Craig Porter Jr. on his 2025-26 season. Video
The Cleveland Cavaliers have been pleased with Craig Porter’s dedication. Porter discussed his offseason work in this video after a win vs. the Bucks.
In the past, Atkinson has said 10-15 games is usually the period needed to discover what a team’s identity is going to be during a given season. But with the Cavs dealing with a bevy of injuries, including to starting point guard Darius Garland and small forward Max Strus, Atkinson is being forced to adjust his standard timeline for self-discovery.
“Can I get 25 [games] this year?” Atkinson quipped. “It’s just different. It’s a different team. It’s a different situation, and sometimes it just takes longer to figure out your team.”
In the meantime, the Cavs are confident Porter will continue to deliver for them.
Nate Ulrich is the sports columnist of the Akron Beacon Journal and a sports features writer. Nate can be reached at nulrich@thebeaconjournal.com. On Twitter: @ByNateUlrich.