Grizzlies’ Porter finds some peace
Jontay Porter texted a short message in a group chat on March 27.
“Yo, I scored my first NBA points,” the text read.
Porter's first basket was a 3pointer from the top of the key. Two minutes later, he made a second field goal, a 19-foot shot after he secured an offensive rebound.
Those first five points ultimately proved futile as the Memphis Grizzlies were blown out 126-110 by the Utah Jazz. But they still represented a big step.
In Denver, Michael Porter Jr. saw the text and got excited. The thirdyear Nuggets forward found the replay and watched both shots with a smile knowing what it took for his brother to get to that point.
“My heart was just so happy, even happier than when I do good just because that's my little brother and he's battled through so much adversity,” Michael said. “To score your first NBA points, no one can ever take that away from you.”
It was a little milestone for Jontay. His NBA debut was two weeks earlier on March 15, and it added another chapter in a two-and-a-half year journey that involved two severe knee injuries and going undrafted.
But the journey's detour to Denver, where the Grizzlies face the Nuggets on Monday, helped keep Jontay's dream alive while bringing the brothers closer.
Rocky Mountain rehab
Jontay tore both his ACL and MCL in his right knee in October 2018 during a scrimmage at Missouri. By his own admission, he rushed back too soon, which led to a second ACL injury the following March.
For rehab, he stayed with his brother in Denver. At the time, Michael was still recovering from a second back surgery that kept him out of the 2018-19 season.
Jontay sought inspiration from his brother's recovery, but he also got educated on what to expect in the NBA.
“Just to see how he kept his head
on his shoulders and kept persevering,” Jontay said. "I wasn't going to quit or give up, but it was definitely an encouragement to see somebody I looked up to do the same thing I was trying to do."
Michael told Jontay how to approach film sessions as well as the lifestyle. The two often had late-night shooting sessions at Ball Arena, where the Nuggets played.
Whenever Jontay had a bad day or his knee felt sore, Michael was in his ear telling him things will get better and to remain patient.
“He plugged me in with his therapist and people that helped him,” Jontay said. “He cared for me and didn't give up on me like a lot of other people.”
Jontay also learned to seek more offcourt interests, including the stock market. But he as rehabbed, Michael reminded him he belonged with him in the NBA.
“(I told him) you are an NBA player; don't forget that,” said Michael, who is averaging 18.2 points and 7.6 rebounds this season. “All you got to focus on is getting healthy, and you'll get your shot.”
Memphis opportunity
Jontay's break came in March 2020 when the Grizzlies signed him. The team expected him to be ready by training camp, and he accompanied the team to the NBA bubble.
He was surprised when they extended him to a three-year contract in November. It was both a relief and motivator to return the faith the Grizzlies put in him.
“They haven't seen me play basketball in a couple of years. They haven't seen me work out since I had injured my knees,” Jontay said. “It definitely took a weight off my shoulders and let me grind in peace. I don't have this pressure on myself. I'm in the NBA now, and I'm going to focus on getting healthy and doing it the right way.”
He started the season in the Gleague, where in nine games, he averaged 7.4 points, 4.7 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 16.8 minutes.
His NBA debut came nearly three years after his last college game on March 16, 2018. He didn't score but did pull down three rebounds – enough to make him feel proud of the journey.
“I'm not done or haven't really accomplished all that I want to, but this is just a little milestone along the way that makes the journey even sweeter,” said Jontay, who's appeared in seven games.
He's content to learn on the Grizzlies bench, but his brother has stayed in his ear. Find happiness in the process, Michael said, not the results.
After rushing to get to the league, the lessons Jontay learned in Denver changed his perspective. Be patient. Reflect. Appreciate the steps instead of the finish line.
"I would never wish I go through those injuries again, but now that I'm on the other side of it and looking how things played out," he said, "I wouldn't rather be anywhere else."