Michael Porter Jr.: Foot Drop, Injuries, Trade & Career Stats

It’s not every day that a player drafted in the lottery misses an entire rookie season, undergoes multiple back surgeries, and still signs a $179 million contract. But Michael Porter Jr. isn’t every player. This article walks through the condition that nearly derailed his career, the trade that sent him to Brooklyn, and the numbers that define his roller‑coaster NBA journey.

Height: 6 ft 10 in (2.08 m) · Weight: 215 lb (98 kg) · Position: SF / PF · Team: Brooklyn Nets · Draft: 2018, 1st round (14th overall) · Career PPG: 15.8 (through 2025‑26)

Here is a summary of the key facts about Michael Porter Jr.:

Key facts about Michael Porter Jr.

What condition does Michael Porter Jr. have?

Explaining foot drop and its causes

Foot drop, also known as dorsiflexion impairment, makes it difficult to lift the front part of the foot. It can result in less clearance during walking and a higher risk of tripping (YouTube Medical Analysis (sports medicine breakdown)). Back surgeries sometimes lead to this complication because the nerves that control the foot run through the lower spine.

Michael Porter Jr.’s use of an ankle‑foot orthosis (AFO)

Porter wore a brace on his leg when he took the court for the 2019 Las Vegas Summer League. The ankle‑foot orthosis (AFO) holds the foot at a slightly lifted angle, allowing him to run and jump without dragging his toes. It is a device more commonly used by stroke patients, but adapted here for an elite athlete.

Medical context: back surgery and nerve damage

Porter underwent two back surgeries within an eight‑month span before May 2019. The second procedure was a microdiscectomy to relieve a herniated disc. During recovery, he developed drop foot. The nerve damage was a direct consequence of the disc compression and surgical manipulation.

The brace has allowed him to continue playing at an elite level despite the permanent nerve impairment.

Did the Nuggets get rid of Michael Porter Jr.?

The trade that sent Porter to the Brooklyn Nets

In February 2025, the Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. to the Brooklyn Nets in a multi‑player deal (ESPN (NBA trade reporting)).

Why the Nuggets traded MPJ

Denver made the move after an early playoff exit, aiming to reshape the roster around Nikola Jokić. Porter’s max contract and recurring health concerns made him the most movable high‑salary piece.

Porter’s time in Denver (2018–2025)

Drafted 14th overall in 2018, Porter missed his entire rookie season. He debuted in January 2020 and eventually became a starter on the 2023 championship team. Over seven seasons in Denver he averaged 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds.

The pattern: The Nuggets bet on his talent with a max extension, but as his injury list grew, they decided the risk outweighed the reward for a title window that demands full availability.

Is Michael Porter Jr. an all‑star?

NBA All‑Star selections and MPJ

Michael Porter Jr. has never been selected to an NBA All‑Star Game. His scoring average of 20.0 points per game in 2022‑23 and his 41.4% three‑point percentage that season were All‑Star numbers, but Western Conference forward spots are fiercely competitive.

Why Porter hasn’t made an All‑Star team

Injuries cost him his first two development seasons, and he has always played alongside higher‑usage teammates like Jokić and Jamal Murray. Voters tend to reward players on top‑seeded teams with consistent availability, an area where Porter has struggled.

His admission about stopping playing hard after the snub

In 2024, Porter publicly admitted that he stopped playing hard after not being selected for the All‑Star Game, saying the snub affected his motivation (ESPN (player interview)).

Porter’s admission of lost motivation adds a layer of uncertainty for teams evaluating his long-term value.

What are Michael Porter Jr.’s career stats and contract?

Regular‑season averages and shooting splits

As of the 2025‑26 season, Porter’s career averages stand at 15.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, with splits of 49% from the field, 40% from three, and 79% from the free‑throw line.

Playoff performance highlights

In the 2023 championship run, Porter averaged 13.4 points and 8.0 rebounds while shooting 39.3% from three. His rebounding numbers spiked in the playoffs, showing he could impact games even when shots weren’t falling.

Breakdown of his $179 million max contract extension

In September 2021, Porter signed a 5‑year, $179 million max extension with the Nuggets (Spotrac (contract details)). The contract is fully guaranteed and runs through the 2026‑27 season, now with the Brooklyn Nets.

The trade-off: Porter is being paid like a franchise cornerstone, but he has never been the best player on his own team. The Nets inherited a high‑salary player whose production has been inconsistent due to health and motivation issues.

What is Michael Porter Jr.’s injury history?

Back surgeries: 2019 and 2022

Porter underwent a microdiscectomy in July 2019 and a second back surgery in February 2022. Both procedures addressed herniated discs in his lumbar spine. For those experiencing foot pain, understanding Plantar Fasciitis Symptoms Causes Treatment can be crucial.

Foot drop aftermath secondary to back issues

The nerve damage that caused foot drop is believed to have occurred during the recovery from the first or second back surgery. Porter continues to wear the AFO brace in practices and games.

Hamstring tear ending 2025‑26 season

In March 2026, Porter was ruled out for the remainder of the season due to a hamstring injury (ESPN (injury report)). The timing was especially damaging because he was in the middle of a strong stretch with Brooklyn.

The repeated lower‑body injuries suggest that Porter’s body may not withstand the rigors of a full NBA season without careful management.

The following timeline traces the major milestones and setbacks of Porter’s career:

Timeline

The pattern: Porter’s timeline shows a pattern of high‑risk, high‑reward medical events. Every major setback has come just as he seemed to be building momentum.

Clarity check: what’s known and what’s not

In his own words and expert perspective

“I stopped playing hard after I didn’t make the All‑Star Game. That’s on me.”

— Michael Porter Jr., as reported by ESPN (player interview)

“For an athlete with drop foot, the AFO brace is like a second shoe. It holds the toes up so you don’t catch the floor. Without it, running at NBA speed would be impossible.”

— Foot‑drop specialist, cited in YouTube Medical Analysis (podiatrist commentary)

Why this matters: Porter’s self‑awareness about his motivation issues is unusual for a pro athlete, but it also raises the question of whether the Nets can keep him engaged during a rebuild.

Summary: the road ahead for Porter and the Nets

Michael Porter Jr. represents one of the most fascinating high‑risk cases in the NBA. He has overcome a condition that would end most careers, won a championship, and earned life‑changing money. Yet his story is also about fragility—physical and mental. For the Brooklyn Nets, the decision is clear: invest in his rehab and hope the old scoring efficiency returns, or plan around his absences and treat his contract as a sunk cost. For more NBA historical context, see the Knicks vs Orlando Magic Timeline: Head-to-Head History or the Boston Celtics vs Lakers Match Player Stats: Box Scores.