Nuggets' Michael Porter Jr to Miss Summer League After Suffering Sprained Knee
By Charles Nason
There hasn't been much of a change of luck for former Missouri basketball star Michael Porter Jr. After missing what should of been his rookie season in Denver with a back injury, the 6-10 forward will miss more time with a brand new issue.
During a scrimmage, Porter Jr. suffered a left knee sprain, which is likely to keep him out for the entirety of the Vegas Summer League. Without playing a game in the NBA yet, the summer league would have been the perfect opportunity for Porter Jr. to get accustomed to the next level. Instead, he and Nuggets fans will have to wait even longer before they see him play in Denver.
Michael Porter Jr. suffered a left knee sprain during a scrimmage, "unlikely" to play in Vegas Summer League, per @msinger pic.twitter.com/7u18nYhaGJ
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 4, 2019
Porter Jr., despite his complicated injury history, is one of the most anticipated youngsters to play in the NBA this season. After finishing second in the Western Conference last year, and just one game away from the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets aren't exactly desperate for the return of Porter Jr., but are still very excited to insert him in their young and talented lineup.
The team has spoken out about his most recent injury, but have assured fans that it does not seem to be anything too serious.
Have confirmed @msinger's report that Michael Porter Jr. suffered a knee sprain in last night's scrimmage. Team does not believe it to be anything serious and it is not related to his surgically repaired back, but Nuggets have no desire to risk anything in Las Vegas.
— Nick Kosmider (@NickKosmider) July 4, 2019
The decision to sit out of the Vegas Summer League is a wise one for both Porter Jr. and the Nuggets. Coming off of a very severe injury that kept him out all of last year, there is no need for Porter Jr. to risk anything during summer league play.
Despite the recent injury news, we'll hopefully see Porter Jr. suited up for the Nuggets next season. If the reports are right and the injury isn't very serious, it shouldn't affect his ability to play in the NBA come the start of the new campaign.