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 for the Denver Nuggets. Ranked as a top prospect in 2017, he played college basketball for the Missouri Tigers before being drafted 14th overall by the Nuggets in the 2018 NBA draft. He won his first NBA championship with Denver in 2023.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

July 2016: Decommitment from Washington

In July 2016, Michael Porter Jr. originally committed to Washington, but after Lorenzo Romar was fired and Porter Sr. was hired by Missouri, Porter Jr. decommitted from Washington.

2016: Nike EYBL Peach Jam championship

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

March 24, 2017: Commitment 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: MVP at the 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 a 109–107 win 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 the class of 2017.

February 22, 2018: Cleared to practice with Missouri

On February 22, 2018, Michael Porter Jr. was cleared to practice with Missouri again, with the potential to return to play before the end of the season. NBA executives encouraged him to play if he felt healthy enough.

March 8, 2018: Returns 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: Signs with the Nuggets

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

2018: Drafted by the 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 with fifteen points, four rebounds, and an assist in a loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.

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 over 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 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.

2023: First NBA championship

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

2023: NBA Finals win

In Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Finals, Michael Porter Jr. contributed 16 points and 13 rebounds in a 94–89 win over the Miami Heat, helping the Denver Nuggets secure their first NBA championship in franchise history.

March 21, 2024: Most made three-pointers in a season

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