Denver Nuggets star Michael Porter Jr. is widely regarded as one of the most elite shooters in the NBA today. A crucial piece of the Nuggets’ rotation, Porter played a very important role in their 2023 championship victory. The Nuggets rewarded him with a five-year, $179 million deal, but recently, Porter opened up about the pressures that come with such a huge contract.
In an interview with Ringer NBA, Porter discussed the responsibilities and pressure that accompany signing a big contract in the NBA. He candidly shared that while the financial rewards are substantial, they also bring heightened expectations from fans and the organization. Porter mentioned that he loves the game so much he would play for free as long as he has food to eat.
However, he admitted that the pressure of his max contract with the Nuggets has, at times, dampened his pure passion for basketball. His interview sheds light on the often-overlooked emotional and mental challenges that come with being a highly paid athlete.
I would have played this game for free as long as I could eat. I loved it… The money sometimes makes it a little bit harder to enjoy the game because with a max contract comes a lot of expectations on consistency…
Michael Porter Jr. said
Porter was one of the top college stars and was projected to be the first overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft. However, a back injury during his final college days caused him to fall to the 14th pick, where he was selected by the Nuggets. Despite the setback, Porter quickly became one of the league’s most promising young talents, with some even comparing him to Kevin Durant. In his last season with the Nuggets, Porter averaged 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.
Michael Porter Jr. says the money makes playing in the NBA feel more like a job:
“I would have played this game for free as long as I could eat. I loved it… The money sometimes makes it a little bit harder to enjoy the game because with a max contract comes a lot of… pic.twitter.com/5A0UBsUVBN
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) August 28, 2024
The Nuggets are certainly one of the toughest teams in the Western Conference. With the new addition of Russell Westbrook, they will be hoping to get back in the championship picture. Porter will be one of the main stars and the Nuggets will be heavily relying on his great shooting skills.
Dennis Rodman also felt NBA contracts carry great pressure
NBA legend Dennis Rodman was one of the best rebounders in the league history. Rodman was known for his time with the Chicago Bulls where he went to win three consecutive championships. Many teams didn’t want Rodman because of his rebel nature that could disrupt the team chemistry easily, but the Bulls took him in for his rebounding and defensive skills.
In the documentary ‘The Last Dance,’ Dennis Rodman discussed NBA contracts and the pressure it places on a player.
It’s not just basketball that we have to deal with on this team. It’s the pressure of the bulls**t,” Rodman said. “I’ll play the game for free, but you get paid for the bulls**t after. Basketball is simple, it’s a simple game, but when you leave this confined zone, it’s hard.”
Dennis Rodman via The Last Dance
Rodman also addressed the mental health issues that players experience when playing for a major team. The Bulls legend endured significant criticism throughout his career for his off-court personality.
Signing a big contract in the NBA brings great expectations. Throughout the years, fans have witnessed bad players receiving max contracts, which has not been well received by the NBA world. Many NBA stars have highlighted this issue regarding the pressure of max contracts.
