Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Michael Porter Jr.

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

Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ) is an American professional basketball player currently with the Brooklyn Nets. Formerly a top prospect, he played college basketball at Missouri before being drafted 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2018. He spent six seasons with Denver, achieving an NBA championship in 2023. In 2025, Porter was traded to the Nets.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 2016: Commitment and Decommitment from Washington

In July 2016, Michael Porter Jr. initially committed to Washington, but later decommitted after Lorenzo Romar was fired and Porter Sr. was hired as an assistant coach for the University of Missouri.

2016: Nike EYBL Peach Jam Championship

In the summer of 2016, Michael Porter Jr. played for Mokan Elite in the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). He averaged 26.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, leading them to the Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship. He was also named Co-MVP alongside Trae Young.

March 24, 2017: Commits to Missouri

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

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

On March 29, 2017, Michael Porter Jr. was named MVP at the McDonald's All-American Game after leading the West team to a 109–107 victory over the East team.

2017: Ranked as top prospect

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

February 22, 2018: Cleared to Practice

On February 22, 2018, Michael Porter Jr. was cleared to practice with Missouri again after recovering from back surgery, with the potential to return to play before the end of the season.

March 8, 2018: Returns to action

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

July 3, 2018: Signs with 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 as the 14th overall pick in the NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets.

October 31, 2019: NBA Debut

On October 31, 2019, Michael Porter Jr. made his NBA debut, coming off the bench with 15 points, 4 rebounds, and an assist in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

August 4, 2020: Career High in Orlando Bubble

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 129–116 win over the Houston Rockets.

September 27, 2021: Rookie Extension

On September 27, 2021, Michael Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets agreed to a 5-year, $172 million rookie extension, potentially reaching $207 million if he is selected to an All-NBA Team.

2023: NBA Championship

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

March 21, 2024: Most Three-Pointers in a Season

On March 21, 2024, Michael Porter Jr. scored 31 points and surpassed Dale Ellis's franchise record for the most three-pointers made in a season for the Nuggets, with 193 three-pointers.