SAN FRANCISCO — Injured Denver NuggetsForward Michael Porter JrHe is hopeful that he will be able to play in the first round series against the team. Golden State Warriors.
“Right now I’m just taking it one at a time. I don’t rule out anything. This is something that I don’t ever want to face again. “I’m just taking it one game at a time. Every morning, I feel good when I wake up. Everyday I get closer.”
Porter had lumbar spine surgery Dec. 1, to treat a lower back injury. This was Porter’s third back operation since November 2017, when he played at the University of Missouri. Porter was unable to play this season, after averaging 9.9 point and 6.6 rebounds. He was then forced to retire. Porter last played against the Nuggets in Nov. 6. Houston Rockets.
Adrian Wojnarowski, ESPN’s reporter on February 27, reported that Porter would be returning to the lineup in March. Porter said that his hopes for a return to the lineup were shattered after a setback in rehabilitation one month ago.
“I felt quite good. It was a feeling of readiness to go. I was ready for a step up. Just got a little sore. I realized about a month back that I was doing well, but I was pushing myself too hard. …,” He said. “I can do whatever you ask. There are no limitations. When I returned to playing at full speed, doing everything, it was when I started feeling a bit sore. So I decided to go back if I felt perfect. I will take my time if not.
Porter answered a question about how his body now feels. He said, “I feel close (perfect).
This playoff series was opened by the Nuggets against Golden State without Porter, 2019 All Star guard Jamal MurrayReserve guard Facundo Campazzo. Murray has not played since last season’s tear of his ACL in his left leg in the playoffs. Campazzo was given a one-game suspension for pushing during Game 1. Los Angeles LakersGuard Wayne EllingtonIt was a week ago. Porter and Murray are still possible for the Nuggets to play again. Game 2 between the Nuggets & Warriors will be played on Monday night.
Due to back problems, Porter only played three games at Missouri in the 2017-18 season. ESPN’s No. The Class of 2017’s No. 1 ranked prep player went from being a potential Top. After back surgery, the 1st overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft was made a 14th-overall selection by the Nuggets. He missed his entire rookie season with them.
He fulfilled his potential by scoring an average of 19 points, 7.3 boards and 2.8 3 pointers per game in the 2020-21 NBA season. The Nuggets gave him a five year extension for at least $173 million which will start next season. He has been limited to playing in 125 regular-season matches over four seasons due to injuries.
“I love basketball, and I’m putting all my effort into rehab,” he stated. “I would rather be on the court than in rehab, but it is there. It’s all a chance to learn. Some days, I can see the good. Some days, I am stuck in the negativity. I am trying to stay positive, not the negative.
“People have already counted me out. I’m coming back stronger than ever. It’s only a matter time. People are too caught up in the present. However, this is not the end of me. I’ve been through it. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling better than ever. “I have no doubt in me.”
Porter described his struggle to recover from his back injury as more mental than physical. He also acknowledged the help of his Christian faith in getting through these difficult times.
“Through all my trials and through all my adversities i always go back to my bigger picture,” he stated. “I do things because they are important. That is what I try to do. I believe God has a plan for my life. I don’t want to lose sight of that. You realize how many things are in God’s hands when you suffer injuries.