The last time Los Angeles Clippers guard Kevin Porter Jr. was seen in an NBA game was on April 7, 2023, when his Houston Rockets beat the Charlotte Hornets. Playing 37 minutes, he tied with Jalen Green for the team-best 26 points, while adding five assists and two steals. The Seattle native did most of his damage from the free-throw line, hitting 10 of 12 free throws.
Since then, Porter’s basketball journey has taken some dramatic turns. The following September, Porter was arrested on suspicion of assaulting his then-girlfriend, Kysre Gondrizeck. A month later, the Rockets traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who immediately released him. Then, in January, he pleaded guilty to domestic violence before signing with PAOK BC of Greece in April.
It’s not wrong to say that people thought they had seen the last of Porter in the NBA. However, reeling from the loss of Paul George and unable to draft DeMar DeRozan in his place, the Clippers agreed to a deal with Porter on July 10.
On the first day of training camp, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue was asked if Porter would be part of the team rotation. This question probably arose not only because of his past, both positive and negative experiences, but also because of LA’s George-less roster.
“He can really make an impact,” Lue told the media, as transcribed by Clutch Points’ Tomer Azarly. “You don’t make $20 million a year in Houston if you can’t play. He’s a great talent. It’s going to be my job to make sure we get the most out of him.”
With the need to replace George, who averaged 23.0 points and 4.5 assists per game with the Clips, Lue appears to be focusing on what Porter can bring on offense. In his final NBA season, Porter averaged 19.2 points and 5.7 assists per game.
“He can make baskets, he can make plays, and I’m going to continue to coach him and train him hard. He’s a great talent,” Lue reiterated. “For us to be successful, he’s going to be a big part of that, so I’m excited for him and the opportunity to coach him.”
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