Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. has had quite the journey, battling through multiple back surgeries to get to where he is today. Yet, despite all the struggles and setbacks, he remains grateful just to be out on the court.
On the recent episode of the Off Guard podcast, Porter opened up to his former teammate Austin Rivers about the criticisms he has faced regarding his contract. He admitted that the constant scrutiny has taken a toll on him, leading him to feel a bit jaded.
“I would have played this game for free as long as I could eat,” Porter told Rivers during their conversation. “You know, now it’s a little different, like it sometimes feels like a job, but I love basketball so much. I would have played this game for free as long as I could eat. I loved it.”
The young forward expressed his passion for the game and how the focus on money has overshadowed the pure joy he once felt on the court. “So man, the money almost honestly sometimes makes it a little bit harder to enjoy the game because with a max contract comes a lot of expectations,” Porter said. “You’re supposed to be an All-Star, you’re supposed to be this, that, whatever they say.”
Despite the pressures that come with a big contract, Porter remains determined to push himself as far as he can go and be the best player he can be. The criticisms and doubts from others may linger, but his love for the game fuels his drive to succeed.
So as Porter continues to navigate his way through the demands of the NBA, one thing is clear – his passion for basketball will always be at the forefront of everything he does. And no matter what challenges come his way, he will always be grateful for the opportunity to play the game he loves.
