From NBA Outcast to a $11 Million Contract in One Year: The Rise of Kevin Porter Jr.
Kevin Porter Jr. went from being an NBA outcast to earning a well-deserved $11 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. In just one year, his transformation has been nothing short of remarkable. Despite his previous issues and lack of playoff experience, Bucks GM Jon Horst highlighted Porter's maturity and chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo as key factors for his re-signing. Let’s explore how Porter went from a troubled player with no future to a crucial part of the Bucks' roster.
1. Troubled Past: The Fallout from a Difficult Personality
Kevin Porter Jr.'s immense talent was never in question. Back in the 2022-23 season, while playing for the Houston Rockets, he averaged 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game—figures that suggested he had the potential to be a future cornerstone for the franchise. The Rockets even offered him a four-year, $82.5 million extension. However, his volatile personality and reckless behavior soon derailed his promising career. In the summer of 2023, just as he was entering his prime at 23, his erratic behavior and off-court incidents led to his eventual fall from grace in the NBA.
Even before his NBA days, Porter’s time at USC was marred by conflicts with teammates and coaches, and incidents like speeding tickets and tardiness. Once in the NBA, his troubles continued, highlighted by a locker room outburst with the Cleveland Cavaliers, which led to his trade to the Rockets. His time with Houston started well, but things soon took a darker turn when he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend in a hotel, a serious offense in the eyes of the NBA. The Rockets quickly cut ties with him, sending him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who promptly waived him. This left Porter with no team and no future in the NBA. Forced to maintain his skills, Porter found himself playing for a team in Greece, Thessaloniki, in the Greek League.
2. A New Beginning: Porter's Resurgence in Greece
In Greece, Porter found the opportunity to rediscover his game. Playing in a league far beneath his NBA talent, he showcased why he was considered a near All-Star level player in the NBA. His contract in Greece was modest, earning just $10,000 a month, but the important thing was that he had a chance to play competitive basketball. By the end of the season, his stats were phenomenal: 20.7 points, 8.2 rebounds, 6.5 assists, and 3 steals per game. His final game was particularly memorable, as he put up 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists—a triple-double performance.
Afterward, Porter expressed his gratitude to Thessaloniki for giving him a chance at redemption when few others would. His performances caught the eye of the Los Angeles Clippers, who offered him another shot in the NBA.
3. Back in the NBA: A Fresh Start with the Clippers
After a one-year hiatus from the league, Porter returned to the NBA with the Clippers. Though his contract was modest—just two years and $4.78 million—he was eager to prove himself. He understood that this was his last chance. Despite being a bench player for most of the 45 games he played, Porter still impressed, averaging 9.3 points, 3.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1 steal per game. He even filled in for James Harden in the second unit, where he displayed a notable level of effectiveness. However, the Clippers traded him before the deadline, sending him to the Milwaukee Bucks, where his journey would take a new turn.
4. Rebirth with the Bucks: A Key Contributor and New Contract
Initially, it seemed like another setback for Porter. But his time with the Bucks became a true turning point in his career. Coach Mike Budenholzer gave Porter more control of the ball, allowing him the freedom he needed to truly shine. In 30 regular-season games, Porter posted averages of 11.7 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists while shooting 49.4rom the field and 40.8rom three-point range. His growth was evident, and when the playoffs arrived, he stepped up, becoming the Bucks' primary point guard. Though the team eventually fell to the Indiana Pacers, Porter’s performance was undeniable—he averaged 11.2 points, 3.6 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and an impressive 46.7rom beyond the arc.
The Bucks recognized his value, offering him a two-year, $11 million contract, effectively securing his place in Milwaukee. For Porter, who is now 25, this is just the beginning. His journey from NBA outcast to a key role player shows that talent, when paired with maturity, can still find a way to shine. Porter’s story is a testament to the idea that \"gold will always shine,\" no matter how tarnished it may seem. With a new contract and a brighter future ahead, Porter still has the potential to land a bigger deal in the future, proving that a second chance can sometimes be the most valuable opportunity.
