Former NBA guard Kevin Porter Jr. is reportedly open to re-joining the league. The 24-year-old currently plays for PAOK, a Greek basketball club.
Kevin Porter Jr. says he wants to return to the NBA
“If I have [the] opportunity to go back to the NBA, then I’ll probably go back to the NBA. If it’s not the NBA, I don’t want to play for no other club than PAOK.”
(Via https://t.co/UxwpPDJx3B) pic.twitter.com/VgE0KxJrO6
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 28, 2024
Porter has been out of the NBA for over a year due to assault allegations.
Former NBA First-Round Pick Interested in Return to League?
Kevin Porter Jr. Career Breakdown
The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Porter Jr. with the No. 30 pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. However, the team immediately traded him to the Detroit Pistons, who sent him to the Cleveland Cavaliers. In his rookie season with Cleveland, Porter Jr. averaged 10 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 2.2 assists per game. After his rookie season, the Cavaliers shipped Porter Jr. to the Houston Rockets. The Washington native spent three seasons with the Rockets, becoming one of their top scorers. Throughout his Rockets tenure, Porter Jr. averaged 17.2 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 6 assists per game. Furthermore, he shot 42.8% from the field and 36.1% from beyond the arc. Following last year’s legal issues, the Rockets traded Porter Jr. to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who immediately waived him.
Is a Kevin Porter Jr.-NBA Return Likely?
On the court, Porter Jr. was a solid player who continued improving in the NBA. He showcased his offensive talent, both as a scorer and playmaker. At the pace he was going the last time he was in the league, a future All-Star selection seemed possible for the USC alum. His numbers improved every year, and he looked to be growing more comfortable in his role on the Rockets. However, his legal issues are too major to ignore. Though he eventually reached a plea deal, it is possible no NBA team would have interest in bringing Porter Jr. to their team because of the situation. Additionally, Porter Jr. was arrested in 2020. However, those charges were dropped. Ultimately, a return to the NBA does not seem entirely out of the picture for Porter Jr.
Staying in Greece is Still a Serious Option
Although he may want to return to the NBA, Porter Jr. seems happy playing for PAOK. The former Rockets guard recently said he “will return” to Greece even if he no longer plays for the team.
“I’ve only been here five days and feel at home. It’s how the team welcomed me and the fans who were at the airport, and I met them every day. I don’t know exactly what I will do in the future, but I will return here again,” the 23-year-old concluded.
With the NBA postseason ongoing, it is unlikely Porter Jr. will receive an update anytime soon. However, after the playoffs are over, it is possible we hear more about NBA teams who may be open to the idea of bringing in the guard.
