Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. recently opened up about the challenges of navigating the business side of the NBA. Despite his love for basketball, Porter admits that the pressures of money, expectations, and stress can sometimes hinder his motivation.
In a candid conversation on Austin Rivers’ podcast Off Guard, Porter shared, “I would have played this game for free as long as I could eat. I loved it. The money sometimes makes it a little bit harder to enjoy the game because with a max contract comes a lot of expectations on consistency, oh you’re supposed to be an All-Star, you’re supposed to be this, that.”
Porter’s honesty has resonated with many fellow NBA players who understand the struggles that come with success. While fans may find it hard to believe that millionaires like Porter face motivational challenges, his transparency sheds light on the human side of professional athletes.
After signing a lucrative five-year deal with the Nuggets in 2021, Porter missed out on additional earnings by not making an All-NBA team the following season. Despite this setback, the 26-year-old remains focused on helping Denver secure their second championship in three years.
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