Draymond Green reveals how Michael Porter Jr
Draymond Green had numerous battles with Michael Porter Jr. over the years. However, Monday Golden State Warriors–Brooklyn Nets the match had a different feel to it. After his trade from Denver Nuggets, Porter Jr. excelled as he made the leap to a leading offensive role in the rebuilding of the Nets.
Green is the newest NBA star give Porter Jr. his flowers in the midst of his best season of his career.
“It’s different (playing against Mike with the Nets),” the Warriors star said. “He didn’t have as much freedom in Denver. He didn’t have the ball in his hands as much. He’s kind of showing that he’s the player that everybody thought or knew he was coming out of college. He’s finally showing it. He’s playing really well.”
Draymond Green on facing Michael Porter Jr. with the Nets vs. the Nuggets:
“It’s different. He didn’t have as much freedom in Denver. … He’s showing that he’s the player that everybody thought or knew coming out of college. He can finally show that.” pic.twitter.com/IItJOBiMBi
— Eric Slater (@erikslater_) December 30, 2025
Porter Jr., who was the nation’s No. 2 recruit coming out of high school in 2017, battled back injuries early in his career. After a full recovery, he spent several seasons playing a complementary role to Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray in Denver.
However, the 27-year-old became the focal point of the Nets’ offense after the Nuggets traded him in a salary-cutting move this summer.
Michael Porter Jr. is playing at an All-Star level in a starring role with the Nets
Porter Jr. is on average 25.8 points — 16th in the NBA — 7.5 rebounds and 3.3 assists on .496/.410/.812 shooting. He is one of five players averaging 25-plus points on over 49 percent shooting from the field and 40 percent from three, joining Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kevin Durant.
Most impressively, the Nets, who were expected to be among the NBA’s worst teams this season, played respectable basketball with the 6-foot-10 forward as their center. Brooklyn is 10-10 over Porter Jr.’s last 20 games and 7-4 in December while posting the NBA’s third-best net rating (8.1) during the month.
Porter Jr.’s elite production and the Nets’ success have him knocking on the verge of his first All-Star appearance. The veteran forward finished 10th in the Eastern Conference in the first All-Star fan vote.
His teammates think he is a frivolous selection.
“His work, what he did out there, he’s definitely an all-star,” Nick Claxton said. “It shows every night with the attention he brings. It’s going to be huge for our whole organization to have him come in his first year and be an all-star playing at such a high level.”
2025-12-31 15:48:00
