Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Lamar Porter Jr., affectionately called "MPJ" is an American basketball player who plays as a small forward for the Denver Nuggets. He was born on June 29, 1998, and had a keen interest in basketball since childhood. MPJ was a five-star recruit in high school and played one season at the University of Missouri.

Michael Porter Jr. started his professional career after being selected by the Denver Nuggets as the 14th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft. He was a crucial part of the Nuggets team that won the NBA championship in 2023.

Michael Porter’s Early Life

Born in Columbia, Missouri, United States, Michael Porter developed a great interest in basketball at a young age, and his father also worked as an assistant basketball coach. He was raised as a vegetarian. However, his diet changed in 2018 when he adopted a raw vegan lifestyle.

Michael Porter has six siblings: four brothers and two older sisters. His sisters also have a great passion for sports, but unfortunately, they retired from playing sports after suffering from multiple leg injuries.

Michael Porter’s Education

Michael enrolled at Father Tolton Regional Catholic High School in his hometown (Columbia, Missouri). He spent his junior and sophomore years in this school and played basketball with the school team. Michael led the team to the 2A State Championship in his junior year.

Later, in his senior year, Michael was transferred to Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, Washington. He assisted the school’s basketball team win the Washington Class 3A State Championship. Michael averaged 36.2 points and 13.6 rebounds in this championship. He participated in the 2017 Nike Hoop Summit and was regarded as MVP at the McDonald’s All-American Game that same year.

In March 2017, Michael Porter joined the University of Missouri in Columbia. His father was also hired as an assistant coach at the same university. Michael made his college debut, playing his first match for the college team against Iowa State, but unluckily, he suffered a lower back injury. He missed the remaining season due to this injury and returned to the court after having a successful microdiscectomy of his L3-L4 spinal discs.

On March 8, 2018, Michael participated in the SEC and 2018 NCAA Division I men’s basketball tournaments. He came off the bench instead of starting in both games. On March 27, Michael officially announced his intention to forgo his remaining college eligibility and declared for the 2018 NBA draft.

Michael Porter’s NBA Journey

Denver Nuggets

Michael Porter was selected as the 14th overall pick by the Denver Nuggets on June 21, 2018. Michael had severe back problems, which affected his overall performance. The Denver Nuggets planned to rule him out for his entire first season in the NBA due to his back problems. Michael secured his spot in the team, signing a multi-year contract on July 3, 2018. Later, on July 19, the Denver Nuggets announced that Michael had undergone a second back surgery.

Michael participated in his first NBA game on October 31, 2019, scoring 15 points and four rebounds in a 107-102 loss to the New Orleans Pelicans. On January 2, 2020, he recorded his career-high 25 points in a match against the Indiana Pacers. A few days later, all the NBA games were postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and were resumed in August. On August 4, Michael grabbed a new carrier-high 37 points in an overtime win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.

On September 27, 2021, Michael Porter signed a five-year contract extension worth $172 million with the Denver Nuggets. After playing just nine games of the 2021-22 season, Michael’s agent announced that Michael Porter could not play for the remaining season, as he was scheduled to undergo his third back injury.

Michael Porter Awards and Achievements

Michael Porter’s Net Worth

As of 2023, Michael’s net worth is estimated to be around $30 million. Most of his wealth comes from his earnings as salary from his NBA career and the endorsement deals he has secured. His current contract with the Denver Nuggets has offered him an annual average salary of $35,859,950 for the 2022-23 season.

Moreover, Michael signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Puma in 2018.

Michael Porter’s Contract

After being selected by the Denver Nuggets in the 2018 NBA draft, Michael signed a multi-year contract with the Nuggets in July 2018. According to some reports, this contract was worth $15,093,095 and guaranteed him an annual average salary of $3,773,274.

In 2021, Michael Porter signed a five-year contract extension with the Denver Nuggets worth $179,299,750 that guarantees him $179,299,750 and an annual average salary of $35,859,950. This contract has offered him a base salary of $33,386,850 for the 2023-24 season, with a cap hit and dead cap value of $33,386,850.

Michael Porter’s Family

Michael Porter was born on June 29, 1998, to his father, Michael Porter Sr., and his mother, Lisa Porter. He has four brothers named Jontay Porter, Coban Porter, Jevon Porter, and Izaak Porter. In addition to his brother, Michael has two older sisters, Bri Porter and Cierra Porter. His father was hired as an assistant coach at the University of Washington.

His older sisters, Cierra and Bri, were also involved in sports, but they had to leave it after multiple leg injuries.

Michael Porter Siblings

Jontay Porter

Coban Porter

Michael Porter’s Girlfriend

According to the latest reports, Michael is currently single and not dating anyone. But he has been previously linked to several women, including Madison Pettis and Madison Prewett.

Madison Pettis is a 24-year-old actress from Arlington. It is unknown how she met Michael, but it is reported that the couple dated from 2016 to 2017. Another noteworthy figure is Madison Prewett, a television personality from Auburn, Alabama. Some reports of a relationship between Madison and Michael emerged in December 2020 but were never confirmed.

Michael Porter’s Kids

It is unclear whether Michael has any children, as no information is available on this subject.

Michael Porter’s Shoes

Michael Porter signed a multi-year deal with the famous shoe brand Puma in 2018. As a brand ambassador, he has access to the latest basketball shoes from the brand. He has been seen sporting various models, including the Puma RS-Dreamer and Puma Clyde Hardwood. He was wearing the Puma RS-Dreamer when he tallied his carrier-high 40 points per game.

Puma specially designs Michael’s shoes to provide great comfort and high performance. Regardless of the shoes he wears, Michael’s footwear choice is a testament to his dedication to sports.