Nets Michael Porter Jr. on All-Star discuss: dream…
For Michael Porter Jr., making an All-Star workforce can be both a first and a childhood dream. And his profession breakthrough is making it attainable, if inconceivable.
“It definitely would be a dream come true. It was in my mind as a kid to make the NBA, but not only be in the NBA but be one of the best players in the NBA. And an All-Star selection shows that progress,” said Porter, who had a game-high 28 factors to go along with six rebounds in the Nets’ 106-95 loss to the Heat on Thursday night time. “But it’s positively not what I’m pondering of. I’ve always tried to be more process-oriented and do the suitable issues day to day, recreation to recreation, and let the outcomes take care of itself.
“I feel like when people start focusing and reaching really hard for a result, that’s when it can evade them. So I’m trying to just stay focused on the game to game with the group we have, and stay focused on getting better, getting some more wins. Then whatever happens, happens. If I make it, cool. If not, I’m going on vacation. So, I’m not really tripping either way.”
Michael Porter Jr. who scored a game-high 28 factors, goes up for a layup during the Nets’ 106-95 loss to the Heat on Dec. 18, 2025 at Barclays Center. Corey Sipkin for New York Post
Entering Thursday’s night time’s recreation, Porter joined Luka Doncic as the only participant averaging at least 25 factors, seven rebounds and three 3s per recreation. Porter, Doncic, Nikola Jokic, Lauri Markkanen and Deni Avdija had been the only ones even mustering 25 factors and seven boards.
“A lot of teams now are just completely face-guarding me, so as far as easy shots and getting shots off of my teammates driving … that’s not really going to happen. [Defenders] aren’t in a help position,” Porter said. “So, I know I’ve got to be very aggressive and decisive when I’m in the actions, when I’m off the ball, coming to the ball, I’ve got to read the back door vs. coming to the ball, and just be very quick and decisive and aggressive with it, try to cause some confusion.”
Porter led the NBA with 40 3s vs. “tight defense” (a defender within 4 toes).
Haywood Highsmith continued his recovery from August surgical procedure on his proper meniscus, now doing on-court work but still no contact.
“He’s in a good place, shows up every day and does his job, is an ultimate pro,” coach Jordi Fernández said. “And not just about taking care of his physique and getting his work. Right now, he’s on the court with coaches. He hasn’t gotten to five-on-five yet or contact, per se … but he’s achieved a good job.
“The most important thing to me is his veteran leadership, and how important he is to the rest of the group, especially the young guys — and the whole group is pretty young, so having somebody like him means a lot to me because that really helps me. He puts his arm around a guy that needs it, but also holds him accountable if he needs to. So he’s doing his job, for sure, overall, and that’s really good to have.”
Ben Saraf and Nolan Traore had been with G-League Long Island, as had been two-way gamers E.J. Liddell and Tyson Etienne. Cam Thomas (hamstring) is anticipated to have his standing up to date by the end of this week.
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