Here’s a bold statement: Michael Porter Jr. is redefining what it means to overcome the odds in the NBA. But here’s where it gets controversial—while many celebrate his on-court achievements, few truly understand the Herculean effort it takes for him to simply step onto the court. Let’s dive in.
Michael Porter Jr. recently quipped about becoming an NBA ironman, but it’s no laughing matter. Over the past two and a third seasons, he’s missed just 12 games—six this season, five last season, and one the year before. Not all absences were injury-related; some were due to personal reasons. Yet, what’s often overlooked is the sheer determination required for the 27-year-old to prepare for each game—and not just play, but excel.
On Tuesday, Brian Lewis captured it perfectly: The Nets forward isn’t surprised by what he’s doing—only how he’s doing it. Consider this: Porter is thriving despite battling potentially career-ending back issues and multiple surgeries—the same ailments that derailed Ben Simmons’ career. He’s playing with foot drop, relying on an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO), a brace typically used by stroke victims relearning to walk. And this is the part most people miss—no other NBA player wears an AFO.
Yet, Porter’s stats speak for themselves. He’s averaging career highs in scoring (25.9 PPG), rebounding (7.6 RPG), and assists (3.4 APG), all while stunning pundits, fans, teammates, and his head coach with his shot-making prowess. Jordi Fernández, who worked with Porter in Denver, put it succinctly: ‘He makes open shots, contested shots, and impossible shots.’
Porter himself isn’t surprised. He recalls being the top high school player in the U.S. during his junior and senior years before undergoing three back surgeries. ‘My expectation when I got drafted was to be the best player in the NBA,’ he admitted candidly. ‘Injuries had their way with me, but determination and resilience allowed me to carve out a valuable space in the league.’ Here’s the kicker—Porter isn’t just proud of his performance; he’s proud of how he’s achieved it post-injury. ‘It’s not a surprise to me, but doing it this way is what I’m most proud of.’
While Porter sees this as business as usual, Denver Nuggets head coach David Adelman highlights a critical point: Porter’s greatest asset is his availability. ‘Michael’s talent is undeniable, but he doesn’t get enough credit for how tough he is,’ Adelman said. ‘Seeing him maintain himself day in and day out to stay available is the most impressive thing to me.’
Lewis sheds light on Porter’s pre-game routine since his third back surgery in 2021-22. Nerve damage in his lower spine, connected to the peroneal nerve, left him unable to properly lift his left foot. The AFO isn’t just a tool—it’s a necessity to prevent tripping. This level of perseverance is unparalleled in the league.
Now, here’s the controversial question: Is Porter’s story one of individual triumph, or does it expose the NBA’s lack of recognition for players battling invisible injuries? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Looking ahead, Porter’s future with the Brooklyn Nets remains uncertain. While other teams have expressed interest, the Nets are reportedly just ‘listening.’ For now, Porter continues to do what he does best: surprise everyone but himself. And that, perhaps, is his greatest achievement of all.
