Back in July 2025, the Brooklyn Nets acquired Michael Porter Jr. by swapping Cam Johnson and a future first-round pick (way out in 2032) to the Denver Nuggets. Porter is coming off a solid season where he averaged 18.2 points and 7 boards a game, shooting a strong 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from deep. But here’s the thing: his injury track record remains a major concern. He had a lumbar spine surgery before the 2018-19 season that basically cost him a year, and has since had his share of ankle sprains and other health woes since he got into the league.
Despite these challenges, the Nets view Porter as a potential cornerstone for their rebuilding phase. Yet, questions linger about his durability and ability to handle a larger role. Those doubts are felt by the player himself as well.
Michael Porter Jr. has been candid about the toll his body has taken over the years. He recently admitted in an interview the physical strain has forced him to confront the limits of his career. “Because of the injuries and stuff, I don’t know how much longer I really want to play,” Porter said. “Like, I want to play as long as I can, but people don’t understand the things I’ve got to go through on a daily basis, just to get out on the court and play with the best athletes in the world. Yeah, after three back surgeries…”
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Porter’s comments not only shed light on the setbacks of his injuries, but they pose a question on his future with the Nets. He drew a comparison to Ben Simmons, explaining the difference between perception and reality. “People say the same thing about Ben Simmons: ‘Oh, he doesn’t want to hoop. He’s mental.’ No, he had one or two of the injuries I had. I’ve had three of them. So I know, it’s not that he doesn’t want to hoop, it’s the fact that those injuries are serious injuries.”
Concern about Simmons stems from a chronic lower back issue that includes nerve impingement and a herniated disc which has seen the player miss considerable time since the 2021-22 campaign. For Porter Jr. however, Brooklyn represents a fresh start. The Nets are in the midst of a rebuild, and Porter is expected to be the primary offensive option in a team likely to finish outside the Eastern Conference’s top ten.
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When asked about Porter’s summer of media appearances, Nets general manager Sean Marks said, “Those conversations that myself and a group have had with Michael will remain internal. I think, as Jordi alluded to, this is a new environment for him, a new market, new expectations, new roles, both on the court and in the locker room for him. So I think he’s, one, finding his way. He knows where the organization stands on certain issues and topics, and this market is a little different than where he was.” Marks’ statement reflects the Nets’ careful approach in integrating Porter, emphasizing guidance and internal alignment over public scrutiny.
But Porter Jr. is being realistic. During his first Media Day with the Brooklyn Nets, Michael Porter Jr. reflected on the physical struggles that have marked his career. Speaking about Denver’s playoff run last season, Porter admitted he was “probably only at 20 percent” and said he could “barely” lift his shoulder. That was another struggle for the Nuggets, as the trio of Westbrook, Michael Porter Jr., and Aaron Gordon were playing with injuries. Apart from Jr.’s shoulder, Westbrook had a hand surgery and Gordon had his leg injury.
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Nets face uncertainty as key players recover from injuries
Michael Porter Jr. was expected to lead the Nets offensively, but the team faces multiple injury concerns and a transitional roster. During the Brooklyn Nets’ Media Day on September 23, 2025, General Manager Sean Marks revealed that rookie Egor Dëmin, the team’s first lottery pick in 15 years, is dealing with a plantar fascia tear sustained after the Summer League. While Dëmin downplayed the injury, focusing on recovery and following medical guidance, Marks expects him to be ready by opening night.
Fellow rookie Drake Powell is also limited with knee tendinopathy but should return by preseason. Not to forget, Cam Thomson, who is with the Nets, despite the contract tension. His impressive 24 points in just 23 appearances, may be beneficial for the Nets. Additionally, Haywood Highsmith recently had knee surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season. These injuries are a problem for a Nets team already rebuilding.
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Brooklyn will be tested right out of the gate with key players coming off injuries. How fast rookies like Egor Dëmin and Drake Powell can settle in, and how well Haywood Highsmith reintegrates, will shape the team’s early form. Letting go of Keon Johnson, despite his solid contributions last season, shows the front office is committed to building around younger talent. This season will be about navigating these challenges, finding on-court chemistry, and figuring out what this roster can really do together.