Nuggets' Porter Jr. now ready to hit NBA Summer League after missed season

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr., who missed the 2018-19 season while recovering from a second surgery on his lumbar spine in July, said he is ready to play in the NBA Summer League this year. "I can't wait to get back out there," Porter said on NBA.com.

"Nothing will compare to being out there for the first time in a real game. This team has a lot of weapons already, but I think I can be a versatile guy that does a lot of different things on the court and be a shot maker." The 6-foot-10 Porter was considered a potential No. 1 overall pick when he signed with Missouri for the 2017-18 season, but a back injury cost him most of his freshman season and he slid to No. 14 in the 2018 draft. The 20-year-old did not participate in the 2018 Summer League.

"It's been a tough couple of years for me, even going back to Missouri," Porter said. "It was really tough, but you just have positive energy and work your hardest. Looking back, it's great to see how far I've come." The Nuggets were eliminated in the Western Conference semifinals on Sunday night, falling 100-96 in Game 7 to the Portland Trail Blazers.

"It was amazing for me to be able to spend this year to learn the game and be around these guys," Porter said. "I learned a lot. Just being around the NBA lifestyle, getting used to the travel, seeing how hard these guys play and the recovery involved. It's been really good and I think it will really benefit me in the long run." The NBA Summer League will be held July 5-15 in Las Vegas.