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First All-Star Returns Put Michael Porter Jr. 10th as Nets’ December Defense Stands Out

Coaches vote next month to determine if Brooklyn’s breakout scorer converts fan traction into the franchise’s first All-Star since 2022.

Overview

  • Porter is averaging 25.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.2 assists on roughly 49/40/82 shooting, ranking among the league’s most efficient high-volume scorers with a 59.4 effective field goal percentage.
  • Brooklyn went 7-3 in December and recorded the NBA’s top defensive rating for the month, a turnaround that followed the team’s 0-7 start.
  • The NBA’s revised All-Star format selects five starters and seven reserves per conference regardless of position, with fans, players and media weighing the starter vote and coaches picking reserves in late January.
  • Nets head coach Jordi Fernández and Warriors coach Steve Kerr praised Porter’s growth, confidence and professionalism, highlighting his shotmaking and renewed health.
  • Once viewed as a salary-dump acquisition from Denver, Porter has boosted his market value as the Nets weigh building around him or exploring trade options, with his deal at about $38 million this season and $40 million next and extension eligibility in July.