Kevin Porter Jr. was supposed to become one of the building blocks of the Houston Rockets’ rebuilding project. The buzz surrounding him was high after the 2022-23 campaign was at an all-time high as one of the standout players in a productive Rockets team.
However, he is now headed abroad as his former team is thriving while making a late playoff push without him. Some may see this as a wasted career for the USC product, but this should allow him to rebuild his reputation and aim for an NBA comeback.
Kevin Porter Jr. headed to Greece after being kicked out of the Houston Rockets
Trusted NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the former Rocket is headed to a Greek powerhouse as all the possible doors that could help him get back to the NBA have closed on him.
Porter is expected to join the Greek club soon. The 23-year-old Porter was traded and waived in October. In January, he reached a plea deal in a New York City domestic assault case. https://t.co/a8U22AeGEk
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2024
It’s a disappointing and abrupt interruption to a career that was supposed to shine with the Houston Rockets. He blossomed with the team when they moved for him after a decent rookie effort with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Last season, he shone as a secondary option to Jalen Green, notching 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists a game on 44%/37%/78% shooting splits.
Porter Jr. was effectively banned from the NBA after allegations of him beating his girlfriend at a Times Square hotel. The Rockets organization immediately disavowed him after the allegations surfaced, and it didn’t take long before he was treated to the Oklahoma City Thunder for Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl and waived.
Is Kevin Porter Jr. the most controversial NBA player in history?
Hurting your partner is a one-way ticket to becoming a persona non grata in the NBA, and Kevin Porter Jr.’s ban from the NBA is more than deserved.
However, the league has seen its fair share of polarizing figures. The level of aggression some of these players showcased was just as vile as Porter’s actions.
Two of the most notable unhinged acts done by NBA players in recent memory are credited to Latrell Sprewell and Gilbert Arenas. Sprewell choked his coach during a practice session, which resulted in a lengthy suspension. Meanwhile, Arenas brought a gun to the stadium to threaten teammate Javaris Crittenton over a game of cards.
We haven’t even delved on the antics done by Metta World Peace, Allen Iverson, and Draymond Green. While they have caused plenty of stir in NBA media, they haven’t gone as far as lifting their hands on their partners.
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