HOUSTON (SportsRadio 610)- For Kevin Porter Jr, Wednesday’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers won’t be an average game in the middle of a long season, it will mark the first time he will face the team that drafted him and then traded him 18 months later.
“I had that checked on my schedule,” Porter said after the Rockets 122-108 loss to the Golden State Warriors on Monday night. “I don’t really look at the schedule, but I was excited to play them December 15, but I was hurt, so I couldn’t play back in Cleveland, but it’s fun playing them here. I think it's a little different, atmosphere is a little different, but it's gonna be fun seeing my boys.”
Cleveland traded for Porter after he was selected by Milwaukee with the final pick of the first round in 2019. He played 50 games as a rookie but did not suit up for the Cavs last season.
Personal reasons kept him away from the team at the start of the campaign, but after he returned the Cavs sent him home following an outburst at a team official. Porter was traded to the Rockets January 22.
In an interview with SportsRadio 610 last month, Porter said he harbored no ill-will towards to Cavs organization and revealed he often speaks with coach J.B. Bickerstaff, but he did acknowledge he didn’t feel wanted by the entire organization.
“Some people had the same confidence and love for me (in Cleveland) as some do (in Houston), but it was just different,” Porter said. “I can count on two hands (in Cleveland), on here, I know everyone in this building is here for me, and I’m gonna do everything I can to pay them back back.”
Porter will be matched up with Darius Garland, who he expects to make the Eastern Conference All Star Team, “It would be weird if he’s not”. He also said he’s looking forward to facing Dylan Windler and Kevin Love.
“It will be fly seeing them, chatting it up, but I’m definitely on their ass.”
The 21-year old is averaging 13.3 points and 6.2 assists per game in his first full season as a Rocket.