Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. has disclosed a very clear dating rule, stating that he avoids pursuing women who have previously been involved with other NBA players. This stance reflects his desire to maintain respect and protect his reputation within the tightly-knit and competitive atmosphere of the basketball league.
The 27-year-old athlete shared that his approach is partly driven by self-preservation and the complexities embedded in dating within the NBA environment. Porter Jr. aims to prevent situations that could create tension or damage his personal and professional standing.
Reasons Behind the Rule and Personal Experiences
Porter Jr. recounted a personal experience on the podcast “One Night with Steiny,” where he described liking a woman who had previously communicated with another league player. He explained the dilemma this posed for him, saying,
“There was this one girl I really liked one time,”
Porter Jr. shared.
“And I’m just like ‘I can’t do it,’ because if I’m cooking him, then he’s just allowed to say, ‘That’s why I hit your girl.’
This illustrates his concern over potential conflicts or challenges that might arise from dating an ex-partner of a fellow NBA player, highlighting how such relationships could be perceived as power struggles rather than genuine connections.
Faith, Focus, and Romantic Challenges
Porter Jr. recently opened up on his own podcast, Curious Mike, about how women represent his biggest personal temptation. He credits his faith with helping him stay grounded, yet admits that romantic pursuits remain a vulnerability. Despite this, he remains deliberate, especially when it comes to dating within the NBA circle, refusing to engage in what some might see as “power moves” involving ex-partners of other players.
He also emphasized the importance of conducting thorough research on potential partners before committing, which underscores how seriously he treats intimate relationships amid the distractions and scrutiny that come with being a professional athlete.
Past Relationships and Recent Sightings
Michael Porter Jr. has been publicly linked to prominent personalities such as Disney actress Madison Pettis and reality TV star Madison Prewett. More recently, he was spotted shopping on Rodeo Drive with Kelsey Calemine, who is rumored to be his current girlfriend. These associations show his openness to dating high-profile individuals while maintaining boundaries that prioritize his values and peace of mind within the professional setting.
Maintaining Respect and Avoiding Conflict in the NBA Community
Ultimately, Porter Jr.’s comments reveal a strong desire to manage his personal life with respect and caution, steering clear of unnecessary drama that can arise from romantic entanglements commonly found in modern dating culture within the NBA. His approach suggests an effort to sustain professionalism and avoid distractions that might interfere with his career advancement.
Denver Nuggets Face Legal Issues Amid Off-Court Concerns
Meanwhile, the Denver Nuggets organization is dealing with legal challenges unrelated to Porter Jr., involving their former mascot, Drake Solomon, who performed as Rocky the Mountain Lion. Solomon alleges that the team violated disability protection laws after he was diagnosed with avascular necrosis, which required several surgeries including a hip replacement.
Despite his efforts to recover and return to work, Solomon claims the Nuggets held auditions for his replacement and created a hostile work environment, ultimately leading to his dismissal in August 2024.
“It was not easy to go ahead with this because I love the Nuggets,”
Solomon remarked.
“They’ve been my whole life and my family. For things to end the way they did, it was pretty heartbreaking.”
This issue remains unresolved as the Nuggets aim to settle the matter before their preseason training camp begins on September 29, 2025, in preparation for the upcoming NBA season.