Michael Porter Jr. has shared his thoughts on being traded to the Brooklyn Nets and how he is adapting to his new environment. The 27-year-old forward, previously with the Denver Nuggets since being drafted in 2018, described the many adjustments required after a midseason move, emphasizing the challenges beyond just playing.
“It’s a whirlwind getting traded,” Porter said on his ‘Curious Mike’ YouTube channel.
“You have to figure out the new facility, your new space, how you get to the arena. All that little stuff, it takes a minute.”
Settling Into Brooklyn and New Surroundings
Porter compared settling in Brooklyn to his early days in Denver, noting it will take time to become comfortable in a new city.
“It took me about three years to learn how to get from my crib to the Denver Airport with no GPS, so it’s definitely gonna be a little adjustment period,”
he remarked. His comments highlight the off-court challenges players face during relocations, including navigation and familiarizing themselves with new facilities.
Porter’s adjustment continues as he tours the Nets’ practice facility at the HSS Training Center located in the Industry City neighborhood of Brooklyn. Impressed by the center’s amenities, Porter especially noted the team’s isolation tank, a recovery feature not available during his time in Denver.
“That’s something we didn’t have in Denver. You basically just go and you float in the water, and there’s so much salt in the water that you just get to float, and chill in there, so I’m definitely going to utilize that. Do some praying in there, some meditation, stuff like that,”
Porter explained.
Preparing Physically for the Brooklyn Season
In addition to exploring his surroundings, Porter has begun rigorous workouts with Nets staff, demonstrating his commitment to contributing immediately. Last season, he averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.1 steals across 77 games. Entering his seventh <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/basketball/nba/”>NBA season, he noted the intensity of training with Brooklyn.
“They got me working probably as hard as I’ve ever worked, but I’m making progress,”
he said.
“I’m excited, man. It’s an amazing opportunity. The staff over here is great. They’re getting me right already.”
Brooklyn Nets Expect Porter to Boost Scoring Capacity
An anonymous front office executive from the Nets, speaking to Spotrac, voiced optimism about the veteran’s impact as the team continues to evolve its roster, blending youth with experience. The executive emphasized Porter’s scoring potential as a key asset.
“We’re transitioning our roster, of course,”
the executive stated.
“We’re going to play a lot of young players. But we need some vets to balance that. And, of course, we need to score some points. Porter will help us a ton there. I’m not saying he’ll win the scoring title, but I think it could be close.”
This comment draws attention to the team‘s strategy to combine youth and veteran presence, with Porter seen as a significant offensive contributor. Historically, only a handful of players such as Russell Westbrook (28.1 points per game in 2014-15), Stephen Curry, James Harden, Joel Embiid, Luka Doncic, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have reached or surpassed the 30-point average to clinch the scoring title in recent seasons.
Looking Ahead: Porter’s Role and Brooklyn’s Future
Michael Porter Jr.’s move to the Brooklyn Nets represents a critical opportunity both for the player and the organization. His work ethic and ability to adapt will be vital as Brooklyn seeks to blend emerging young talent with experienced players to build a more dynamic and competitive roster. Porter’s readiness to embrace new training methods and his scoring ability position him as an essential piece in the Nets’ plans moving forward.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts will watch closely to see how Porter’s integration influences the team’s offensive output and overall success, potentially marking a new chapter filled with growth and achievement for both the player and the Brooklyn Nets.