Michael Porter Jr. is happy he landed with the Nuggets. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Michael Porter Jr. on why he’s happy Clippers didn’t draft him

Originally posted on Game 7 | By Jennifer Withers Hoey | Last updated 9/19/21

At one point in his basketball career, Michael Porter Jr. was viewed by many as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft. Unfortunately for him, because of a particularly scary back injury and subsequent limited playing time, he became something of a risky prospect.

That led to the Los Angeles Clippers, who owned the Nos. 12 and 13 picks in 2018, to choose Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Jerome Robinson over him.

Porter Jr. would go on to land with the Denver Nuggets at No. 14.

This past season, Porter Jr. finally began reaching his full potential — averaging 19.0 points and 7.3 rebounds while shooting 44.5 percent from beyond the arc.

This past week, Porter Jr. appeared this week on JJ Redick’s “Old Man and the Three” podcast. He discussed a myriad of topics – including why he’s happy the Los Angeles Clippers opted not to draft him.

“To be honest with you, it might have been a God thing,” said Porter. “You know how crazy L.A. is, who knows? Living in L.A. as a rookie doing just strictly rehab without even playing? I might have gotten into some stuff. So I am where I’m supposed to be.”

It’s hard to argue with that logic.

Do the Clippers wish that they had taken Porter Jr. considering their current situation? Probably.

But did Porter Jr. come out on top in all this? Yes. Everything happens for a reason, and the up-and-coming star ended up precisely where he needed to be for his long-term success in the NBA.

This article first appeared on Game 7 and was syndicated with permission.

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