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 playing for the Brooklyn Nets in the NBA. He was a highly-touted prospect in the 2017 class and played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers. Drafted 14th overall by the Denver Nuggets in 2018, he contributed to the team's success, culminating in an NBA championship in 2023.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 2016: Originally Commits to Washington

In July 2016, Michael Porter Jr. originally committed to Washington. This commitment changed after a coaching change.

2016: Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship

In 2016, Michael Porter Jr. joined Mokan Elite on the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL), averaging 26.2 points and 11.5 rebounds per game, leading them to the Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship and being named Co-MVP alongside Trae Young.

March 24, 2017: Committed to Play for Missouri

On March 24, 2017, Michael Porter Jr. committed to play for the University of Missouri, joining his father and his 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, leading the West team to a 109–107 victory over the East team.

2017: Top Prospect in the Class of 2017

In 2017, Michael Porter Jr. was ranked as one of the top prospects in his class, marking a significant milestone in his early career.

February 22, 2018: Cleared to Practice with Missouri

On February 22, 2018, Michael Porter Jr. was cleared to practice with Missouri again, raising the possibility of his return to play before the end of the season.

March 8, 2018: Return to Action

On March 8, 2018, Michael Porter Jr. officially returned to action in the quarterfinals of the SEC tournament after recovering from a back injury.

July 3, 2018: Signs with the Denver Nuggets

On July 3, 2018, Michael Porter Jr. signed a multi-year contract with the Denver Nuggets, officially joining the team after being drafted.

2018: Drafted by Denver Nuggets

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

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

On August 4, 2020, Michael Porter Jr. led the Denver 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 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.

November 29, 2021: Third Back Surgery

On November 29, 2021, it was announced that Michael Porter Jr. would miss the remainder of the 2021–22 NBA season to undergo a third back surgery.

2023: NBA Championship

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

2023: NBA Championship with the Denver Nuggets

In 2023, Michael Porter Jr. won his first NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets, marking a significant achievement in his career.

March 21, 2024: Nuggets Franchise Record

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