Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr is 'unlikely to play at Las Vegas Summer League after suffering a left knee sprain during a scrimmage, as first reported by Mike Singer of The Denver Post.
While the injury is not deemed to be serious, the Nuggets will keep Porter Jr. sidelined for precautionary reasons.
“You feel bad, because the kid has been putting in a lot of work, and he was excited to play,” Nuggets Summer League coach Jordi Fernandez told reporters. “But obviously the most important thing for him is to be ready for the NBA season. Again, it’s nothing major.”
After sitting out last season to recover from back surgery, Porter Jr. was excited to use Summer League as an opportunity to work his way back on court, telling reporters last week that his goal was to 'dominate' in Vegas.
“I feel good,” Porter said. “I just can’t wait to really test myself in a real game, because I haven’t played in a game in a while.”
According to The Undefeated's Marc Spears, the 21-year-old is expected to healthy in time for training camp.
Nuggets bummed that Michael Porter, Jr., suffered a left knee strain yesterday since he was playing great in practice with no back issues, source said. Porter needs time to heal and summer league isn’t worth it for Denver to rush him to. Porter should be ready for training camp.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpearsESPN) July 4, 2019
The Nuggets open their Summer League against the Phoenix Suns on Saturday.