Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. is feeling the effects of the business side of the NBA.
Basketball is a passion for many professional players, but the money, risks and stress involved are unavoidable. Porter, who was one of the best players in his class coming out of high school, admits that he sometimes struggles with motivation because of the money involved.
“I would have played that game for free as long as I could eat. I loved it,” Porter said in an episode of Austin Rivers Podcast Unprepared. “The money makes it a little harder to enjoy the game sometimes because with a max contract comes a lot of expectations of consistency, oh, you’re supposed to be an All-Star, you’re supposed to be this and that.”
This level of transparency is something many of the league’s stars likely appreciate. Fans struggle with the idea that these millionaires still struggle with life’s problems, like finding motivation and happiness. Porter’s comment sparked a heated reaction on social media, with the public wondering why his financial situation bothers him.
Porter signed a five-year deal with the Nuggets in 2021 that was potentially worth up to $207 million. Instead, the 26-year-old will earn $172 million because he failed to make the All-NBA team the following season.
The Nuggets hope Porter will find the motivation needed to help Denver win its second championship in three years.
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