Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Porter Jr.

Share: FB Share X Share Reddit Share Reddit Share
Michael Porter Jr.

Discover the career path of Michael Porter Jr., from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Porter Jr., or MPJ, is an American professional basketball player currently playing for the Brooklyn Nets. He was a highly-rated prospect before playing college basketball for the Missouri Tigers. Drafted 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2018, he played six seasons with the team, achieving his first NBA championship in 2023. In 2025, Porter was traded to the Nets, marking a new chapter in his NBA career.

July 2016: Originally committed to Washington

In July 2016, Michael Porter Jr. originally committed to play basketball for Washington. Later he decommitted after Lorenzo Romar was fired and his father got a job at the University of Missouri.

2016: Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship

In the summer of 2016, Porter played for Mokan Elite in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL) and led them to the Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship. He was named Co-MVP.

March 24, 2017: Committed to play for Missouri

On March 24, 2017, Michael Porter Jr. committed to play for Missouri, joining his father and brother Jontay.

March 29, 2017: Named MVP at McDonald's All-American Game

On March 29, 2017, Michael Porter Jr. was named MVP at the McDonald's All-American Game, leading the West team to victory. He also participated in the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit, contributing to Team USA's win.

2017: Ranked as top prospect

In 2017, Michael Porter Jr. was ranked as one of the top prospects in his class.

March 8, 2018: Returned to action

On March 8, 2018, Michael Porter Jr. officially returned to action in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament, coming off the bench.

July 3, 2018: Signed contract with the Nuggets

On July 3, 2018, Michael Porter Jr. signed a multi-year contract with the Denver Nuggets.

2018: Drafted by Denver Nuggets

In 2018, Michael Porter Jr. was selected 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in the NBA draft.

October 31, 2019: NBA debut

On October 31, 2019, Michael Porter Jr. made his NBA debut, coming off the bench and scoring fifteen points for the Denver Nuggets.

August 4, 2020: Career-high 37 points

On August 4, 2020, Michael Porter Jr. led the Nuggets to their first victory in the Orlando bubble, scoring a then career-high 37 points in an overtime win against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

April 24, 2021: Career-high 39 points

On April 24, 2021, Michael Porter Jr. scored a career-high 39 points in a win against the Houston Rockets.

September 27, 2021: Agreed to rookie extension

On September 27, 2021, Michael Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets agreed to a 5-year rookie extension.

2023: NBA championship

In 2023, Michael Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets won their first NBA championship in franchise history.

2023: NBA Championship with Denver Nuggets

In 2023, Michael Porter Jr. won his first NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets.

March 21, 2024: Nuggets record for most made three-pointers in a season

On March 21, 2024, Michael Porter Jr. surpassed Dale Ellis' record for the most three-pointers made in a season in Nuggets franchise history, with 193.

November 10, 2024: Game-winning jumper

On November 10, 2024, Michael Porter Jr. scored 17 points and hit the game-winning jumper in a victory over the Dallas Mavericks.

February 3, 2025: 36 points against Pelicans

On February 3, 2025, Michael Porter Jr. scored 36 points in a 125–113 win over the New Orleans Pelicans.

July 8, 2025: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets

On July 8, 2025, Michael Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cameron Johnson.

2025: Traded to the Brooklyn Nets

In 2025, after six seasons with the Denver Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. was traded to the Brooklyn Nets.

2032: Draft pick traded

In July of 2025, the Denver Nuggets traded a 2032 first-round draft pick along with Porter to the Brooklyn Nets.