Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. requires back surgery, no timetable for return

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 11/29/21

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. will have surgery on his lower back and will be out of the lineup indefinitely, ESPN reported Monday morning. Porter is, however, expected to make a full recovery.

Nuggets F Michael Porter Jr., will undergo a surgical procedure on his lower back and miss an indefinite period, his agent Mark Bartelstein of @PrioritySports tells ESPN. Bartelstein says Porter’s expected to make a full recovery; timetable on return will come after surgery.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) November 29, 2021

Porter, 23, has been dealing with a nerve issue in his back and was looking for a non-surgical remedy so he wouldn't miss the rest of the 2021-22 season. The University of Missouri product had back surgery prior to the 2018 NBA Draft and spent his rookie season recovering.

Porter signed a five-year, $172 million max deal with Denver in September.

The surgery news is yet another blow to the Nuggets (9-10) who are still without Nikola Jokic as the reigning MVP recovers from a wrist injury. They are also still waiting on the return of guard Jamal Murray, who tore his ACL at the end of last season.

Since Michael Porter Jr. made his debut in 2019-20, the Nuggets have played 100 games with Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray and Porter Jr. all in the lineup (including playoffs).

Denver is 62-38 in those games (.620 win pct).
— Matt Williams (@StatsWilliams) November 29, 2021

The future of the Denver Nuggets as long-term championship contenders hinges on the health of Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray. If both make full recoveries, Denver has a trio with Nikola Jokic that can compete with anyone. Porter (23), Murray (24) and Jokic (26) are all young https://t.co/SdXtCEGHbk
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) November 29, 2021

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