Pistons's Porter grateful King is gone
Posted: Tue Dec 10, 2024 11:13 pm
The Pistons' sudden decision to send Mojave King to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for 4 picks was received with mixed opinions by other players in the Pistons locker room. Center and franchise centerpiece James Wiseman expressed concerns over losing such a young and promising player. Wiseman, who came over from LAC via trade two seasons ago, had grown particularly close to the sophomore King, the two often seen hanging out off the court as well.
However, one player who has welcomed the news is Kevin Porter. The 27-year old Shooting Guard came over from the Clippers in a separate deal two seasons ago and has since cemented himself as a starter in the Pistons backscourt. After the drafting of King and a devastating Achilles tear last season, it was widely assumed that Porter's days earning big money and playing big minutes were coming to a close as his contract expired at season's end. Instead the Pistons Front Office rewarded him with a 5 year/$50 million contract. This immense show of trust clearly had an impact on Porter, who returned from injury with a renewed vigor, starting the season with a career-high 13 PPG on 55% TS.
This high level of play from Porter seemingly gave the FO confidence that they could survive without King and instead reinvest his value in filling other needs on the roster. So, when Porter got wind that the Pistons and Coach Terrance Hyde believe in him enough to trade their former 5th overall pick, a smile was seen creeping across his face. Kevin Porter seems to have finally found a home in the Motor City. Now to focus on winning basketball games.
Despite the bad record, Porter has been enjoying his time in Detroit.
However, one player who has welcomed the news is Kevin Porter. The 27-year old Shooting Guard came over from the Clippers in a separate deal two seasons ago and has since cemented himself as a starter in the Pistons backscourt. After the drafting of King and a devastating Achilles tear last season, it was widely assumed that Porter's days earning big money and playing big minutes were coming to a close as his contract expired at season's end. Instead the Pistons Front Office rewarded him with a 5 year/$50 million contract. This immense show of trust clearly had an impact on Porter, who returned from injury with a renewed vigor, starting the season with a career-high 13 PPG on 55% TS.
This high level of play from Porter seemingly gave the FO confidence that they could survive without King and instead reinvest his value in filling other needs on the roster. So, when Porter got wind that the Pistons and Coach Terrance Hyde believe in him enough to trade their former 5th overall pick, a smile was seen creeping across his face. Kevin Porter seems to have finally found a home in the Motor City. Now to focus on winning basketball games.
Despite the bad record, Porter has been enjoying his time in Detroit.
