Michael Porter Jr averages career-high 25.6 PPG with Brooklyn Nets. Traded from Denver 2023 champions. Complete biography, stats & 2025 updates. Evergreen content.
Table of Contents
Introduction
Michael Porter Jr. is having the best season of his NBA career. Averaging a career-high 25.6 points per game with the Brooklyn Nets, the 24-year-old is proving doubters wrong. After being traded from Denver in July 2025, he’s blossomed into an elite scorer. He’s shooting 49.7% from the field and 39.9% from three. These are incredible numbers. This is what the NBA world always believed MPJ could become.
His journey wasn’t supposed to look like this. Back injuries derailed his college career at Missouri. He fell to the 14th pick in 2018. Many doubted he’d ever play significant NBA minutes. Instead, he became a key piece of Denver’s 2023 championship team. Now, he’s proving himself as a franchise cornerstone with the Nets.
Early Life & Family Background
Michael Porter Jr. was born June 30, 2000, in Denver, Colorado. His father, Michael Porter Sr., was an NFL linebacker for the Cleveland Browns. Athletic genes ran deep in his family. His younger brother, Jalen Porter Jr., also plays professional basketball. The family understood elite sports performance at the highest levels.
Growing up in Denver, Michael was exposed to basketball early. His parents supported his passion. They understood it required sacrifice. By middle school, Michael was already attracting attention from major college programs. Every basketball academy in Colorado knew his name. He was special. Even as a kid, you could see he had something different.
Missouri College Years
Michael committed to the University of Missouri in 2018. He was a top recruit with incredible potential. His freshman year at Mizzou showed why scouts loved him. He could shoot from anywhere. He had elite length. His basketball IQ was impressive. Everything suggested an NBA lottery pick future.
Then disaster struck. During his freshman season, Michael suffered a lower back injury. Medical imaging revealed serious issues. Doctors recommended multiple surgeries. His college career ended before it really began. He played just 19 games for Missouri. The injury overshadowed everything else. The concerns about his back scared NBA teams.
2018 NBA Draft Slide
Despite his talent, Michael Porter Jr. fell in the 2018 NBA Draft. Most teams bypassed him due to injury concerns. The Denver Nuggets selected him 14th overall. Some considered it a reach. Others thought it was a bargain. Denver believed in his talent despite the medical red flags.
The back injury meant Michael sat out his entire first NBA season. From June 2018 through June 2019, he rehabilitated. He trained. He got stronger. He prepared his body for the demands of professional basketball. It was frustrating. He wanted to play. Instead, he had to be patient.
Rookie Season Reality
Michael made his NBA debut in November 2019. After sitting out for over a year, he was finally playing. His rookie season was solid but unremarkable. He appeared in 57 games, averaging 10.1 points. The stats didn’t jump off the page. But the talent was obvious to anyone watching. He just needed more opportunity.
Back issues continued plaguing him. He missed games throughout the season. Consistency was impossible. One week he’d look like an elite prospect. The next week he’d be sidelined. It was a grind. Not knowing when he’d be healthy enough to play full minutes was maddening for everyone.
Biography in Brief
| Full Name: | Michael Porter Jr. |
| Nick Name: | MPJ, The Shooter, Porter |
| Age: | 25 (As of January 2026) |
| Born: | June 30, 2000 |
| Birthplace: | Denver, Colorado |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 6’10” (208 cm) |
| Weight: | 220 lbs / 100 kg |
| Position: | Forward / Shooter |
| Current Team: | Brooklyn Nets (NBA) |
| Jersey Number: | 1 |
| Drafted: | 2018 NBA Draft – 14th Overall Pick |
| Drafted By: | Denver Nuggets |
| College: | University of Missouri (19 games played) |
| Years in NBA: | 6 Seasons (2019-Present) |
| Career Points: | 2,847+ Points |
| Career Rebounds: | 1,100+ Rebounds |
| Career Assists: | 450+ Assists |
| 2025-26 Season PPG: | 25.6 Points Per Game (Career-High) |
| 2025-26 Season FG%: | 49.7% Field Goal Percentage |
| 2025-26 Season 3P%: | 39.9% Three-Point Percentage |
| 2025-26 Season RPG: | 7.3 Rebounds Per Game |
| 2025-26 Season APG: | 3.2 Assists Per Game |
| Denver Nuggets Era: | 2019-2025 (6 Seasons) |
| Denver Stats: | 16.2 PPG Average, 40.6% 3PT |
| NBA Championship: | 2023 Denver Nuggets NBA Champion |
| Trade Details: | Traded to Brooklyn Nets July 8, 2025 |
| Trade Package: | MPJ + 2032 First-Round Pick for Cameron Johnson |
| Contract Details: | $180 Million Contract (Multiple Years) |
| Career Best Game: | 55 Points (Career-High Single Game) |
| Father: | Michael Porter Sr. (Former NFL Linebacker) |
| Mother: | Sylvia Porter |
| Brother: | Jalen Porter Jr. (Professional Basketball Player) |
| Family Legacy: | Father played NFL, Brother plays professional basketball |
| College Injury: | Back injury ended Missouri career after 19 games |
| Back Surgery: | Multiple surgeries to overcome back issues |
| Comeback Story: | Overcame surgery fears to become NBA star |
| Playing Style: | Elite Shooter, Offensive Weapon, Floor Spacing |
| Strengths: | Three-Point Shooting, Length, Basketball IQ, Athleticism |
| 2026 Outlook: | Trade Market Target, Contender Destination |
| Current Status: | Active Player, January 2026 |
| Last Updated: | January 2026 |
| Social Media: | Instagram – Twitter |
| Official Pages: | NBA.com | Brooklyn Nets Official |
Development into Starter
By year three in Denver, Michael had developed into a reliable starter. He averaged 16.2 points across his six seasons with the Nuggets. His three-point shooting was elite. He connected on 40.6% of his threes. He could play defense. He was versatile. Denver had finally found his niche.
The 2022-23 season was Michael’s best in Denver. He averaged career-highs. He played in 71 games. He was healthy. He was confident. He played a crucial role in Denver’s first NBA championship in 47 years. He wasn’t the star. But he was important. He knew it. Denver knew it.
2023 Championship Run
The Denver Nuggets won the 2023 NBA championship with Michael Porter Jr. in the starting five. It was his greatest achievement. Playing alongside Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and others, Michael contributed meaningfully. His shooting stretched defenses. His floor spacing created opportunities for teammates. He was a championship piece.
Winning an NBA title in his first true healthy season was surreal. Michael had overcome back surgery fears. He’d overcome injury concerns. He’d proven doubters wrong. The championship ring represented validation. He belonged at this level. He could handle NBA pressure.
2024-25 Season Struggles in Denver
The 2024-25 season became complicated. Michael suffered a left shoulder injury during the playoffs. He played through pain against Oklahoma City. The injury limited him significantly. His shooting percentage dropped. His confidence wavered. The Nuggets struggled without healthy depth.
Playing injured in the second round against the Thunder was brutal. He took crucial shots and missed. He felt responsible for losses. The shoulder issue was serious. It affected everything—his shooting motion, his timing, his confidence. By the end of the season, change was coming. Everyone sensed it.
July 2025 Trade to Brooklyn
On July 8, 2025, the Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. and a 2032 first-round pick to the Brooklyn Nets for Cameron Johnson. It was shocking. Michael had won a championship in Denver. He’d been a core member of the organization. Now he was gone.
The Nuggets wanted to cut salary. They wanted to get under the luxury tax. Cameron Johnson was cheaper. The new front office wanted to make changes. Michael took it personally initially. He questioned whether management believed in him. He felt disrespected. But he quickly moved forward.
Brooklyn Fresh Start
In Brooklyn, Michael Porter Jr. was given something he never had in Denver: primary scoring responsibility. He wasn’t the third option anymore. He was the main guy. The Nets needed scoring. They needed someone to take over games. Michael rose to the challenge.
His first months with Brooklyn showed improvement. He was taking more shots. His role expanded. He was getting 20+ shots per game. In Denver, he’d averaged 14-16. The increased volume suited him. He wanted more responsibility. Brooklyn was giving it to him.
Career-High Numbers
By December 2025, Michael was averaging 25.6 points per game. His shooting was elite: 49.7% overall, 39.9% from three. His rebounding climbed to 7.3 per game. His assists were at 3.2.
Same player. Different opportunity. Different role. Different result.
Trade Market Heat
By mid-December, contenders were calling Brooklyn. Lakers. Warriors. Teams wanted Michael. His value skyrocketed. He was playing the best basketball of his career on a bad team.
Michael said he wanted to stay in New York. But NBA business doesn’t care about player preferences. Teams see opportunity. They make calls. That’s how it works.
Jokic Relationship
Michael opened up about Nikola Jokic. He said they had a great relationship. He didn’t think Jokic orchestrated the trade. The new front office made that decision.
Jokic is humble. He doesn’t pull strings. Even with his power and influence, he respects the business side.
Instagram Shade
Michael posted a video mocking Denver’s practice facilities. He said Brooklyn had two courts while Denver had just one. Was it shade? Maybe. Was it venting? Probably.
His feelings were complicated about leaving. Winning a championship there meant everything. But the trade happened anyway.
Current Season Reality
As December 2025 wraps up, Michael Porter Jr. is in his prime. He’s playing the best basketball of his life. Contenders are watching. Front offices are calculating. His future remains wide open.
One thing’s certain: he’s not the doubted prospect anymore. He’s elite.
Biography in Brief
Michael Porter Jr. was born June 30, 2000, in Denver, Colorado. His father played NFL football. A serious back injury ended his University of Missouri career after just 19 games.
Denver drafted him 14th overall in 2018 despite medical concerns. He sat out his first season then developed into a reliable starter. In six seasons with Denver, he averaged 16.2 points and won the 2023 NBA championship.
In July 2025, Denver traded him to Brooklyn for Cameron Johnson. With the Nets, he’s averaging career-high 25.6 PPG while shooting 49.7% overall and 39.9% from three. His value has never been higher.
Interesting Facts
Michael overcame back surgery just to reach the NBA. Most players would have quit. He persevered.
His draft position was 14th overall. Teams that passed look foolish now. He became a championship-winning shooter despite all the injury concerns.
His brother Jalen also plays professional basketball. The Porter basketball legacy continues.
FAQ Section
Why did Denver trade Michael Porter Jr.?
They wanted to cut salary and get under the luxury tax. The new front office made the move.
What’s Michael’s current shooting percentage?
He’s shooting 49.7% overall and 39.9% from three with Brooklyn in 2025-26.
Did Jokic want him traded?
No. Michael said Jokic isn’t controlling enough to orchestrate roster moves. It was management’s decision.
When did he win an NBA championship?
Michael won the 2023 NBA championship with the Denver Nuggets.
What was his college experience?
He played just 19 games at Missouri before a back injury ended his college career.
Disclaimer
This article is based on publicly available reports as of December 2025. NBA statistics and trades may change. For official updates, visit NBA.com. This website is not affiliated with Michael Porter Jr. or the NBA.
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