Not too long ago, Kevin Porter Jr. started getting his life on track. After a controversial start with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Porter resurrected his career on the Houston Rockets as the team's starting point guard from the 2020-21 to 2022-23 campaigns. But once he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend in 2023, Porter was back at square one.
Kevin Porter Jr.'s time in the NBA has been a roller coaster
As a player never short on talent, Porter's biggest problem has always been staying out of trouble. Even during his freshman season at USC, Porter was suspended indefinitely for personal conduct issues. Once he made the NBA, the problems piled on. As the 30th overall pick by the Cavs in the 2019 NBA Draft, he showed glimpses of his potential
But once his promising rookie season was over, the off-court issues took over the headlines once again. He was arrested for improperly handling a firearm which caused him to miss most of the next season, and before he could play a game, another incident took place. He had an outburst in the team's locker room after discovering they moved his locker to accommodate the recently acquired Taurean Prince.
This behavior led the Cavaliers to part ways with him for close to nothing (a top-55 protected second round pick) to the Rockets. On a new team with no expectations, Porter took advantage of his opportunity. Over the next two seasons, he established himself as the team's starting point guard, earning a four-year, $82.5 million contract extension in the process.
Kevin Porter Jr. gets himself into trouble once again
Despite his newfound success, Porter relapsed, leading to a major setback. In September 2023, he was arrested for assaulting his girlfriend, WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick. When the initial investigations were done, Gondrezick reportedly had injuries to her eye and back. However, Porter reached a plea deal four months later, avoiding a lengthy legal battle and giving himself another chance to get his life and career back on track.
Following this incident, the Rockets decided to part ways with Porter by trading him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, but he was immediately waived by his new team. Fast forward to the present, and Porter's basketball journey now brings him across the world with PAOK BC in Greece making $10,000 a season.
Far from the spotlight and pressure of the NBA, Porter can focus on his game and personal development. This new chapter is his chance to prove that he's finally changed and fulfill his potential as a basketball player.
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