After being sidelined in his first year in the NBA, Michael Porter Jr says that he is ready to play and is expected to return in the upcoming 2019 NBA Summer League. The fourteenth pick for the Denver Nuggets in the 2018 NBA Draft underwent a second back surgery after the draft and hasn’t played since.
After the Nuggets were eliminated in game 7 against the Portland Trail Blazers over the weekend, the team held exit interviews with all of the players. Porter took the stage and thinks he can add a lot for the team due in part to his versatility.
“Yea I can’t wait to get back out there. Nothing will compare to being out there for the first time in a real game. This team has a lot of weapons already, but I think I can be a versatile guy that does a lot of different things on the court and be a shot maker. I feel so good. I’ve worked so hard every day with these guys and I feel like I’m a better player than I’ve ever been. “I just want to show that I’m back, feeling good, and ready to play.”
Now that he is healthy and ready to play, he has an opportunity to prove why he was projected as the number one pick before he injured his back in college. Porter reflected on how spending the year recovering from the injury while staying close to the team and traveling with them has helped him to adapt to the NBA lifestyle.
Michael Porter Jr. says he’s been cleared to play and will join the #Nuggets in summer league. @CBSDenver pic.twitter.com/aCCZL041MP
— Michael Spencer (@MichaelCBS4) May 13, 2019
His teammate Monte Morris talked about how impressed he has been with Porter’s abilities and mindset since he arrived to the team.
Monte Morris with high praise for Michael Porter Jr. pic.twitter.com/sSJ266qI5R
— Michael Spencer (@MichaelCBS4) May 13, 2019
