Porter’s journey hasn’t been easy. A turbulent year off the court led to his suspension, which included a six-week trip to Greece following a highly publicized incident in New York. The encounter in a hotel room sparked assault allegations that were later scaled down, but the backlash was swift. Yet, even as he faced uncertainty, Porter remained confident that he would eventually find his way back to the NBA. His time away, rather than dimming his spirit, seemed to fuel a belief that he belonged on this stage.
Reflecting on his return, Porter described the experience as something close to a homecoming. "It was dope, man," he shared with a smile. “It’s good being in my old stomping grounds. We always have that relationship. There are relationships that I have from being here still. It’s a good feeling coming back home.” This sense of familiarity isn’t lost on him; Houston had once embraced him as a key part of the Rockets' rebuild after the James Harden era. And though his path took an unexpected turn, he’s now in Los Angeles with Harden as a teammate, their lives intertwined in unexpected ways.
It’s no secret that Porter’s time with the Rockets had its share of challenges. In September 2023, he was arrested in New York and charged with assault against his then-girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick. Though initially serious, the charges were reduced, and Gondrezick disputed the police's version of events, claiming that Porter neither punched nor choked her as prosecutors initially alleged. In a plea agreement reached in January, Porter pleaded guilty to misdemeanor assault and harassment, with the understanding that completing a 26-week Abusive Partner Intervention Program would allow him to withdraw his plea and clear his record.
Now with the Clippers, Porter signed a two-year, $4.78 million contract, a significant step after enduring a year-long hiatus. Remarkably, he said he was never concerned that this incident would end his career. “I never thought I wouldn’t be (back in the NBA),” Porter remarked. “I feel like I was supposed to be here. Things happen. It’s a business. We’re not just pawns or robots. We’re human also. We've got things that go on outside the business that can affect the business.”
Porter’s determination to move forward is evident. His attitude reflects a blend of resilience and humility that has allowed him to endure personal and professional challenges. “I work hard. I teach myself a lot. I learn from myself and from others,” he said. “So I’m in a very comfortable space.” Porter added that he has always enjoyed a positive relationship with Rockets fans and hopes that, despite everything, they still share that connection.
Throughout his NBA journey, Porter has been a mix of undeniable talent and controversy. After joining the Rockets from the Cleveland Cavaliers in exchange for a protected second-round pick, he showed flashes of brilliance. Averaging 17.2 points over his three seasons in Houston, Porter’s final season saw him hit 19.2 points, with 5.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game. There were undeniable high points, such as a memorable 50-point game in a win over the Milwaukee Bucks. Yet, despite his efforts, Houston’s overall performance during Porter’s tenure was far from stellar; the Rockets had the worst three-year record in the NBA.
Following his arrest, Houston traded him to the Oklahoma City Thunder, a transaction that also included two future second-round picks in exchange for Victor Oladipo and Jeremiah Robinson-Earl. However, the move was brief, with both Oladipo and Robinson-Earl ultimately waived, and Porter soon finding himself let go by the Thunder as well. It was a stark reminder of the fragile nature of professional sports careers, especially for players who face scrutiny on and off the court.
But Porter’s talent was enough for Houston to offer him a four-year, $63.44 million contract extension, albeit with significant non-guaranteed terms due to concerns over his off-court behavior. The arrangement allowed the Thunder to waive him without substantial financial consequences. Despite the challenges, Porter’s initial days with Houston were filled with promise. After spending time with the Rockets' G League affiliate, he joined the main team in March 2021, shortly after Harden’s departure, and began to show his potential.
There’s no doubt Porter felt a connection to the Rockets’ rebuilding project. He expressed disappointment at not being part of the team’s recent turnaround, saying, “You always want to see things through, especially when you were one of the guys that started it.” He keeps in touch with former teammates, especially Jae’Sean Tate, who’s now the longest-tenured Rocket since the rebuild began. “They are proud of where they have come. It was a rough start. Things have been good for them. I’m very proud of all of them. (With) the relationships I built here in Houston, definitely I keep up with them. There’s a lot of good ones.”
Porter acknowledges the business side of basketball and doesn’t harbor resentment toward the Rockets for their decisions. Reflecting on their choice not to bring him to training camp while looking for trade opportunities, he said, “That’s the business part of things. You can’t let the business part of things interfere with the relationships off the court that you build. As long as you know how to balance those … there’s not really anything I feel about it. I feel good.”
One relationship he particularly values is with Rockets general manager Rafael Stone, who gave Porter a second chance after his rocky tenure with the Cavaliers. “Raf and I were very tight, still tight,” Porter said. “Raf gave me that opportunity, coming from where I was at, to fill big shoes. That will always be some gratitude for him from me. I respect Raf. That’s my guy.”
Now, back in action with the Clippers, Porter has been finding his rhythm again. Averaging 7.9 points in just 16.5 minutes per game, he’s still working to improve his shooting accuracy, which currently sits at a disappointing 19.2% from beyond the arc. Playing alongside Harden, however, provides a unique opportunity for growth and learning. “Being able to play with him now, I get to see different points around the court,” Porter explained. “Coming from being a point guard and being with an MVP-caliber point guard, I can learn a lot.”
In many ways, Porter has come full circle. He once aspired to fill the void Harden left in Houston, a responsibility that came with its own pressures and expectations. Now, he has the chance to play alongside the man he once tried to replace, with a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of the game. “James was someone I looked up to when it comes to basketball, trying to learn, hone my skills … growing up as a college, high school player,” Porter said. His love for the city of Houston is evident in his parting words, “Maybe that’s why I love Houston. Also, them welcoming me how they did.”
Porter’s return to the Toyota Center wasn’t just about basketball; it was a reminder of the relationships, challenges, and growth that have defined his journey. Now, with new opportunities on the horizon, he hopes to show the Clippers and his fans that he’s back where he belongs. And for Kevin Porter Jr., that’s exactly where he wants to be.
Login