May 4, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) following an injury in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Nuggets Star Facing Backlash For Recent Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Aug 29, 2024 6:51 PM ET

Michael Porter Jr. is one of the best role players in the NBA.

The Denver Nuggets star is coming off a year where he averaged 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest while shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.7% from the three-point range in 81 games.

Recently, Porter Jr. was on a podcast (Off Guard with Austin Rivers, h/t HoopsHype and Legion Hoops).

One of his comments got a lot of attention on social media.

Porter Jr: "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, on you’re supposed to be an All-Star, you’re supposed to be this, that, whatever they say."

Michael Porter Jr. says the money makes playing in the NBA feel more like a job:

“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… pic.twitter.com/5A0UBsUVBN
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 28, 2024

A lot of fans on social media responded to the quote.

For the record, it was a long interview, and he spoke about how much he loves basketball.

Via @StLogicSports: "Imagine getting mad and complaining about making $200m for running up and down a basketball court "

Imagine getting mad and complaining about making $200m for running up and down a basketball court
— Street Logic Sports (@StLogicSports) August 28, 2024

Via @undercoverNBA: "Bro what? No one forced you to negotiate for a max contract "

Bro what? No one forced you to negotiate for a max contract
— Fan (@undercoverNBA) August 28, 2024

Via @BronGotGame: "Nah some ppl just don’t deserve money, he complaining about hooping and getting millions"

Nah some ppl just don’t deserve money, he complaining about hooping and getting millions
— ²³☄️ (@BronGotGame) August 28, 2024

Via @RickFly3: "At what point does someone close to MPJ tell him it might be better to just put the mic down & spend the offseason in Barbados"

At what point does someone close to MPJ tell him it might be better to just put the mic down & spend the offseason in Barbados https://t.co/gLFyMGKKRo
— Colin MoRICKawa (@RickFly3) August 29, 2024

Via @CHODA_tHecHeF: "I see what he is saying. He isn’t saying he hates it. But the mental stress must be crazy"

I see what he is saying. He isn’t saying he hates it. But the mental stress must be crazy https://t.co/MLGeKboUFJ
— Ghost Lord (@CHODA_tHecHeF) August 29, 2024

Via Travonne Edwards: "he need media training Lol"