Jeff Swinger is a member of the NBAE.
According to the Denver Post's Mike Singer, Michael Porter Jr. is battling a nerve issue in his back that could require surgery.
The issue could hurt his season.
The head coach of the Denver Broncos told reporters in November that he would be out for the foreseeable future.
Porter was selected 14th overall by Denver in the draft.
The 6'10 forward appeared in just three games for Missouri in the last year of the season, after having surgery on his spine. He had back surgery in July of last year and missed the entire year.
Porter showed flashes after finally starting for Denver last year and had a breakthrough as a starter. He averaged 19.0 points and 7.3 rebound while shooting 54.2% from the field and 44.5% from beyond the rim.
The Nuggets gave him a five-year, $172 million extension that could go as high as $207 million. $145 million is guaranteed according to the singer.
It was a worthwhile gamble because a healthy Porter almost certainly would've gotten a max offer as a free agent, and Denver isn't in a position where it can afford to lose players. The franchise isn't a big draw to outside talent even with an NBA Most Valuable Player in Nikola Jokic.
Calvin Booth assumed a risk when he didn't wait until Porter hit restricted free agency.
It can be difficult to fully solve back injuries.
When Howard had back surgery in 2012 it was the beginning of the end for him as a dominant center. Scottie Pippen had a Hall of Fame career despite persistent back trouble, but he wasn't the same after having surgery. Elena Delle Donne missed most of the 2021 season because of back problems.
There is no idea when or if another flare-up will come if Porter returns this season.
The Nuggets are banking on their current core to not only contend but also convince Jokic, a free agent in 2023, to stick around.
Porter could be out for a long time due to the torn knee he suffered in April.
