Former Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. returns to NBA with Clippers

Former Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. hasn’t played in the NBA since facing felony charges last September related to a domestic incident in a New York hotel. In the months that followed, which included being traded from Houston to Oklahoma City for financial reasons and subsequently released from the Thunder, Porter eventually pled guilty to misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation.

Now, after briefly playing professionally in Greece earlier this year, the 24-year-old is back in the NBA after signing a veteran’s minimum salary contract with the Clippers. In that capacity, he’ll seemingly be a backup to former Rockets star James Harden.

In three seasons with the Rockets from 2020-21 through 2022-23, Porter averaged 17.2 points (42.8% FG, 36.1% on 3-pointers), 6.0 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 32.6 minutes per game. He didn’t play with any NBA team in 2023-24 following his September arrest.

Prior to his arrest and subsequent departure from the team, Porter had already been replaced by Fred VanVleet as Houston’s starter at point guard. However, the Rockets were hoping for Porter to provide valuable minutes and scoring punch off the bench.

Instead, his absence opened a larger role for rookie Cam Whitmore, who seized the opportunity during his debut NBA season.