Porter Jr. is playing through an MCL sprain in his knee for Brooklyn since early January.
With about two weeks left before Feb. 5, one of the league's top trade candidates is reportedly dealing with a significant injury.
Brooklyn Nets / Schedule
Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. revealed before the team's Wednesday matchup that he is suffering from a minor MCL sprain. According to the Nets star, he's been enduring the injury since their 104-103 overtime loss to the Orlando Magic last Jan. 7.
"I actually was dealing with a MCL, a little sprain against Orlando," he said, via Brian Lewis of New York Post. "My knee has been a little sore, so I haven't been as explosive on some of my movements to get myself open. That's getting better."
Porter Jr. has made the most out of his opportunity in his first season with the rebuilding Brooklyn squad. He is projected to clinch his first career All-Star nod while averaging 25.7 points, 7.4 boards and 3.2 assists entering Wednesday's matchup against the Knicks.
The emerging star is tallying 24.8 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists while shooting over 44 percent from the field (36.2 percent from 3-point) since he sustained the MCL sprain against Orlando.
He played in five of those last seven games.
“He had some discomfort, but he kept playing. He’s played all the way through,” head coach Jordi Fernandez said about Porter Jr.'s injury. “We value our players’ health, and if it were something that didn’t allow him to play, we would do whatever it takes to figure that out. But he’s played, so I don’t think I have anything else to say from that.”
With the injured Porter Jr. playing through pain, this can only impact his value in the eyes of many teams as the trade deadline approaches.
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