NBA: 3 teams that should pursue guard Kevin Porter Jr.
Many NBA fans likely didn’t give Kevin Porter Jr. a second thought during most of his young career with the Cleveland Cavaliers. That changed on Monday when his name began trending across the league along with a bizarre story in The Athletic about yelling at his general manager and throwing food after learning his locker had been moved in his absence.
The reports seemed crazy, but they aren’t the first sign of trouble with Porter, who hasn’t been with the Cavs all season. In November, the guard was involved in a single-car accident. Afterward, he was charged with improper handling of a firearm in a vehicle and misdemeanor charges of marijuana possession and driving without a license, all of which were either dropped or not pursued.
Where does Kevin Porter Jr.’s NBA career go from here?
While it’s not clear where Porter’s career goes from here, it’s clear it won’t come with the Cavs. Reports suggest Cleveland tried to trade him over the weekend following the locker room incident and will not have him back on the team, even if it means waiving him.
As a rookie, the USC alum averaged 10.0 points and 3.2 rebounds per game, shooting 33.5 percent from three-point range. Despite his struggles off the court, Porter is only 20 years old, chock full of potential, and will almost certainly get another chance.
Where should that opportunity come from, though? Here are three teams that would be justified in pursuing Porter should he be released or become easily available in a trade.