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Michael Porter Jr.'s Nets Breakout Sets Record, Raises Roster Dilemma

Coach praise for his off-ball fit underscores a looming choice to shop him or keep him as a building block.

Overview

  • Porter is averaging 25.6 points over 21 games with Brooklyn on .497/.399/.813 shooting, elevating a previously punchless offense.
  • He became the first forward in NBA history to record four straight 30-point games with five made threes.
  • OptaSTATS notes Porter and Kevin Durant are the only players to top 525 points on 50% shooting and 40% from three in their first 20 games with a team.
  • Assistant Steve Hetzel called Porter "one of the best, if not the best, off-ball players" in the league, and Porter credited head coach Jordi Fernandez’s schemes for his surge.
  • League interest is expected to grow as the Nets weigh gauging offers against keeping him, a decision shaped by lottery positioning and prior asset moves including the unprotected 2032 Nuggets first-round pick acquired in the Cam Johnson trade.