Returning to the NBA! At 24, Did the Clippers Score a Bargain with Kevin Porter Jr.?

The Los Angeles Clippers have officially signed Kevin Porter Jr. to a two-year minimum contract, fully guaranteed with a player option for the second year. This news comes as a surprise to many, given Porter’s tumultuous journey in the NBA.

A Promising Start

Kevin Porter Jr. was the 30th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers. In his second season, he was traded to the Houston Rockets, where he began to showcase his potential. At just 24 years old, Porter’s individual skills are undeniable. In his first season with the Rockets, he averaged 16.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game. In just his 23rd game with Houston, he put up a historic performance, scoring 50 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, dishing out 11 assists, and hitting 9 three-pointers in a single game.

During the 2022-23 season, Porter continued to improve, averaging 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. His shooting percentages were impressive: 44.2% from the field, 36.6% from three-point range, and 78.4% from the free-throw line, with a true shooting percentage of 56.5%. These were career highs in scoring, rebounding, steals, and true shooting percentage. Porter’s impressive performance earned him a four-year, $80 million contract extension from the Rockets in the 2022 offseason, though only $16.9 million of that was guaranteed.

A Downward Spiral

Everything seemed to be on the upswing for Porter until the 2023 offseason when he was embroiled in a domestic violence scandal. Initial reports alleged that Porter’s actions had caused significant harm to his girlfriend, leading to charges of second-degree assault (which were later dropped). Despite subsequent reversals in the case, including his girlfriend denying the assault, the Rockets remained firm in their decision to part ways with Porter.

Before being released, new Rockets head coach Ime Udoka had indicated that Porter would compete with Jalen Green for a starting spot, highlighting his undeniable talent. However, the domestic violence allegations led to his exit from the team.

Porter’s off-court issues have been a recurring theme. Before joining the Rockets, he had already faced accusations of assaulting a woman, possession of a firearm, and possession of drugs. His frequent altercations in the Cavaliers’ locker room led to his release from the team. At that time, Porter was already teetering on the edge of being out of the league. The Rockets' intervention provided him a lifeline, which he nearly lost again with the latest incident.

A Year in Limbo

The domestic violence scandal was the final straw for Porter, leading to his trade to the Oklahoma City Thunder, who promptly waived him. For nearly a year, Porter found himself without an NBA team. During this period, he played in the Greek league, where he performed admirably. In his first six games, Porter averaged 22.0 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game. In the playoffs, he nearly averaged a triple-double, scoring over 20 points per game, although his team eventually lost to Kendrick Nunn’s squad. In a crucial elimination game, Porter recorded 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists.

It’s important to note that Porter’s earnings in the Greek league were significantly lower than what he was accustomed to in the NBA, with a monthly salary under $10,000. The stark difference in income motivated him to return to the NBA, as he publicly expressed his desire for another opportunity: "If an NBA team gives me a chance to come back, I will definitely take it. I really want to return to the NBA."

The Clippers’ Gamble

The Clippers have now given Porter that chance. From a purely performance standpoint, signing Porter to a minimum contract is a low-risk, high-reward move. Before being released by the Rockets, he was earning nearly $20 million annually. With the Clippers, Porter has the opportunity to either start alongside his idol, James Harden, or come off the bench as a backup guard. This could help mitigate the scoring loss from Paul George’s departure.

However, concerns remain about Porter’s character. He is known for his unique personality and has previously made public statements that didn’t always align with his actions. Los Angeles, with its myriad distractions, could pose challenges for a player with Porter’s history. If he were to engage in behavior detrimental to the Clippers’ locker room, it wouldn’t come as a surprise to many observers.

Interestingly, the Clippers seem to have a penchant for taking chances on troubled players. In the past two years, they have signed Josh Primo, who was known for his off-court issues, and Kawhi Leonard, whose off-court interests sometimes overshadow his on-court focus. Both experiments were unsuccessful. However, Porter differs in that he has proven his abilities at a higher level. The Clippers’ 1+1 fully guaranteed minimum contract gives Porter the opportunity to prove himself. If he performs well, he can opt out and seek a higher salary; if not, he still earns a year’s worth of pay.

An NBA of Opportunities

The NBA is ultimately a league that values talent, which is why Porter continues to receive opportunities despite his numerous transgressions. The hope is that he can seize this chance and demonstrate maturity and consistency. If he can focus on his game and stay out of trouble, the Clippers could very well end up with a significant bargain.

The upcoming season will be crucial for Porter. He needs to prove that he can be a reliable player both on and off the court. For the Clippers, the potential reward far outweighs the risk. Given Porter’s talent and past performance, this could be one of the smartest low-cost moves of the offseason. The key question remains: Can Kevin Porter Jr. keep his focus and avoid the pitfalls that have plagued his career thus far? If he can, the Clippers might just have struck gold with this signing.