Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

As the Denver Nuggets start the quest to protect their title, Michael Porter Jr. is dealing with an unfortunate family situation back home. As reported by Denver investigative reporter Ben Markus, Michael's brother, Coban Porter, has recently been sentenced to 8 years behind bars for his involvement in a DUI that claimed someone's life.

"Coban Porter, brother of Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr., sentencing begins now in Denver in a vehicular homicide that killed Kathy Rothman...Porter was drunk the night he crashed into the driver's side of Rothman's car as she was driving for Uber. He pleaded guilty earlier this year, and faces up to eight years in prison."

It's a genuine tragedy for everyone involved, and especially for the victim, Kathy Rothman, and her family. During the sentencing hearing, Kathy's mother was the first to make a statement. Eventually, even Michael Porter Jr. came up with some things to say.

"Not Coban, not Coban," he thought after the accident. "I wish it was me who, and not Coban, I wish I could trade places with you."

Despite the violence involved, Michael did not express anger or shame towards his brother. He recognized the severity of the tragedy but provided perspective on his brother's character as "kind and caring."

Now that closure has been brought to the incident, both sides can finally begin to move on and heal. In the case of Michael Porter Jr., he will almost keep supporting his brother from afar as he seeks a path to redemption for his actions.

Meanwhile, on the Nuggets, he'll be busy helping Nikola Jokic and the rest of his teammates try to win another title. After averaging 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game on 48.4% shooting this season, Porter will be a crucial piece of the Nuggets in the playoffs. His shooting and floor spacing are good to open up the floor for everyone and it certainly makes life easier for the Joker. Hopefully, he can keep his head in the game and avoid letting his family's misfortunes compromise his impact on the court.

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