Kevin Porter Jr revealed how James Harden treats him like a younger brother. The youngster also claims to be able to dunk on the Nets star.
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Porter Jr is in his 2nd year in the league. Earlier this past year, Porter Jr had a misunderstanding with the Cavaliers organization which resulted in him being tossed away to the Houston Rockets.
Houston sent the 6-foot-4 guard to play in the G League for their Rio Grande Valley Vipers. After having a stunning performance in the G-League, Houston called Porter back up in the NBA. He played his debut match for the Rockets on Thursday night against the Sacramento Kings.
In his first game back in the NBA, Kevin Porter Jr had an impressive 13-point, 10-assist performance in a losing effort. The 20-year-old then spoke about James Harden and the brotherhood the two left-handed guards shared. He also mentioned how Harden has been like a mentor, helping him with his development. Porter stated:
“That’s my big brother. I definitely watch him a lot. We talk a lot. He gives me some keys, so I can have an advantage. I feel like we do play similar. I think it’s because we’re both lefties and we both like that stepback. I’m way more athletic, though, for sure. I’ll dunk on James.”
Kevin Porter Jr on James Harden (@JHarden13): “That’s my big brother. I definitely watch him a lot. We talk a lot. He gives me some keys so I can have an advantage. I feel like we do play similar..I’m way more athletic though for sure. I’ll dunk on James.” pic.twitter.com/Vhml35sHEl
— Mark Berman (@MarkBermanFox26) March 12, 2021
‘He’s a great kid and a willing learner’: Houston coach Stephen Silas praises Kevin Porter Jr
In his 15 games in the G League bubble, Porter Jr showed tons of potential. He averaged a staggering 24.1 points, 6.4 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game.
Houston Rockets head coach, Stephen Silas had high praises for the young guard. Post the Kings-Rockets match, Silas mentioned how great of a kid Kevin was. He also mentioned that Kevin Porter Jr would excel over time. Stephen said:
“KP was good. He played point; he pushed the ball up the floor in our scrimmage, he makes plays for others. He’s a willing learner. Great kid. Just enjoyable to be around.”
“To have that fresh face in the group is exciting for me. It’s a developmental thing. The game isn’t going to be as easy as it came for him in the G League. But I think he is prepared, over time, to excel. He has a lot of tools that we will explore and use. He’s going to be good for us.”
With veterans on the team like John Wall and Victor Oladipo, Porter Jr is bound to be better than he already is. His scoring, passing and rebounding abilities are all pretty good. Houston are now on a 15-game losing streak, it’s about time Porter Jr helps the Rockets in turning things around in their favour.
