During his introductory news conference with the Nets at Summer League, Michael Porter Jr. expressed excitement about expanding his game in Brooklyn and stepping into a more prominent role, emphasizing that he believes his potential has yet to be fully realized.
Nearly everything Porter has said publicly since has sparked significantly greater controversy.
Whether on his podcast “Curious Mike” or during guest appearances on streams with influencers, the 27-year-old has made a series of controversial remarks this offseason, sparking widespread discussions on social media about his judgment and the potential PR challenges for the Nets’ staff moving forward.
Some of his remarks have drawn more intense scrutiny than others.
In a recent livestream with influencer PlaqueBoyMax, Porter Jr. was posed a hypothetical question: whether he would prefer a “thot daughter” — a derogatory slang term for a woman with multiple sexual partners — or a “gay son.” He replied that both would “hurt” him, implying discomfort with either, which drew criticism for being homophobic and misogynistic.
“I’m not gonna hold you bro, both of them would hurt a n-gga heart,” Porter said.
During the same livestream, Porter asserted that a McDonald’s All-American high school boys’ team would defeat the WNBA All-Stars, a claim perceived as dismissing women’s basketball as inferior and sparking intense debates on gender dynamics in sports.
“If the WNBA All-Star team, if the Olympic team played the McDonald’s All-American high school players, it’s one of them things, bro,” Porter said. “You can’t dance around it. In high school, when I was in high school, we were grown men, pretty much… If we play the WNBA All-Star team, that, no disrespect, bro. No disrespect, bro. I’m not even gonna say it.”
In addition to discussing his personal dating preferences, the work ethic and fetishes of other NBA players, and the impact of sports betting, Porter — who shot 50.4% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range with the Denver Nuggets last season — boasted that only Stephen Curry shoots better than him, ranking himself alongside Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and others.
“Stephen Curry, that’s the only one I’m giving like a clear elite, can shoot better than me,” Porter said. “There’s dudes that are on the same level. I think Klay Thompson, KD. If I got in the gym [with someone] like Duncan Robinson, he probably can shoot with me. Trae Young, Dame. But I think Steph is the only one clearly better.”
It’s evident that some of Porter’s recent comments have offended certain audiences. He should exercise caution in his public statements, as they directly reflect on the Nets organization.
Since hiring head coach Jordi Fernandez, the Nets have emphasized building a strong culture and prioritizing high-character players. Porter, bringing championship experience, enters the season positioned as a veteran leader.
Videos have emerged showing Porter putting up shots in the gym and training alongside Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young. By all accounts, he maintained a positive relationship with the Nuggets’ coaching staff and is known for his strong work ethic. Fernandez, who previously worked with Porter in Denver, likely approved the trade. The Nets committed to paying him $79.4 million over the next two seasons for a clear purpose.
Porter’s on-court value is substantial, making it critical for the Nets to prevent his unfiltered off-court persona from becoming a distraction. If his comments cause locker room tension or alienate teammates, it could hinder the team’s rebuilding efforts. In New York City’s intense media market, far more scrutinizing than Denver, his statements face heightened attention.
For the Nets’ sake, Porter must learn when to avoid the spotlight and put down the mic.
