The family chat must have seriously heated up yesterday during the meeting between Nuggets and Raptors. “ We both checked the date “, reports Jontay who had the opportunity to face his big brother, Michael Porter. on the floor of the reigning champions.
The two brothers had already crossed paths one evening in January 2021. Jontay then wore the Grizzlies jersey, but had to be content with a few minutes in the “garbage time” of a match dominated by his brother (31 points) and the Nuggets. This night, they played directly against each other, each having an important role.
The Porter of the Nuggets was in his role by contributing 19 points (8/14 on shots), 8 rebounds and 3 assists in addition to a new Dantesque performance from Nikola Jokic. The Raptors' Porter evolved beyond his standards, offering his career best with 14 points (5/9 on shots including 4/7 from distance) and 5 assists in 22 minutes.
“ I am proud of him », blurts Michael, when his teammate, Nikola Jokic, also compliments his evening opponent, who planted several winning shots in front of him: “ He played well. He showed he could play, he has all my respect. »
Michael pushes him to fight
This match was the culmination of a long journey strewn with pitfalls for the siblings. In 2018, while the Nugget is recovering from a second back operation which sidelines him from his first NBA season, his younger brother can enter the Draft after a season of around 10 points and 7 rebounds with Missouri (sixth man of the SEC conference).
“ But he decided to come back to Mizzou and play that second year, thinking he could probably be a 'lottery pick' », Reports Michael whose brother will then… tear his cruciate ligaments before what should have been his second university season. His knee problems won't stop there, pushing him further away from his dream of joining his brother.
Not selected during the 2019 Draft, he was nevertheless offered a chance by the Grizzlies, with whom he made 11 appearances in 2021. But the knee problems reappeared… So the big brother never stopped encouraging him. “ 'You have to try again. You still have to try'. He was the one who worked hard to get me on the Summer League team. », Reports Jontay, who can then show up in Las Vegas during the summer of 2022, with the Nuggets.
Minutes to recover with the Raptors
A big boost from Michael, convinced that Jontay, “ in good health », is an NBA player. What he has been proving for several weeks. First mobilized with the Detroit G-League team, he landed a “two-way contract” in December with the Raptors. He has since gradually made his place within Darko Rajakovic's rotation. And the absence of Jakob Poeltl should allow the left-hander to show himself more, like last night.
“ With the right minutes, he's a 3-point shooter at over 40%. For an interior, it's obviously very, very good. Then he can really pass and defend. It is very versatile. Before his knee injury, he was a potential NBA player. I'm happy that he has the opportunity to play with a young team. I think he will continue to improve “, predicts Michael Porter.
After Monday's game, the brothers posed for photos on the field and exchanged jerseys. Who knows if they will wear the same one one day… “ My brothers and I always dreamed of playing against each other, of being on the same field at the same time. One day we'll team up, but for now, this is the best we can do », concludes Jontay Porter.
