Michael Porter Jr. was considered a potential #1 pick in the NBA draft, but he fell into the lap of the Nuggets in the middle of the draft because he had serious back issues and had multiple surgeries.
It looked like the gamble paid off for Nuggets because Porter Jr was looking like a potential All-Star by the end of last season.
Sadly, it looks like Porter Jr. has had a setback with his back, and it could cost him his season via The Denver Post.
Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is dealing with a nerve issue in his back that could jeopardize his season, league sources told The Denver Post.
The Nuggets have been vague about specifics of the injury and when Porter might be expected back. They have given him a timeline of a week to show improvements before considering other treatment options. Another back surgery is a possibility, sources said.
Porter botched a layup attempt in the first quarter against Houston on Nov. 6, exacerbating a back injury that he’s had all season. He has not played since then.
Porter’s pronounced struggles throughout the first nine games of the season were, at least in part, because of his balky back. Nuggets guard Austin Rivers said recently Porter had been playing through injury all season.
Porter Jr. had struggled this year when he did play, and now it makes a lot more sense on why.
The Nuggets gave Porter Jr. a 5-year max contract with $145.3 million guaranteed and worth up to $172 million. One would have to think the Nuggets are kicking themselves for not putting in some things in the contract to protect them from this type of injury.
Hopefully, this won’t be season-ending, and Porter can get back on the court.
Flip the pages for more details on Porter Jr’s injury.