INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Kevin Porter Jr. said he is “grateful to be back” in the NBA with the LA Clippers after not being in the NBA since his arrest in September 2023.
Porter Jr. said Monday that he is “responsible for whatever comes next” if the NBA rejects the point guard for this upcoming season. Porter Jr. reached a plea agreement in a New York domestic assault case that involved misdemeanor assault and a harassment violation in connection with an incident involving his girlfriend last September.
“I’m responsible for whatever comes,” said Porter Jr., who spoke to reporters for the first time this year. “The league will do what the league does and I’m ready for it.”
Porter Jr., who signed a two-year deal with the Clippers, said he underwent counseling and therapy. According to the plea agreement, Porter must complete a 26-week Partner Abuse Intervention Program or a program with a private counselor while observing other conditions, according to the Associated Press. However, Porter Jr. says he underwent counseling before his arrest.
“I got to learn myself, experience some things,” Porter Jr. said. “And I feel like this is the best version of myself, so it was good.
“I can’t say everything,” Porter Jr. added. when asked what he had learned about himself. “But only my education, the triggers and things and with experiences. The meaning of the experience and learning from it.”
Porter Jr., who played in Greece last season, averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 assists and 5.3 rebounds during the 2022-23 season in Houston. He could have a role in the rotation for the Clippers this season.
“I’ve always believed in myself,” Porter Jr. said. “I know my truth and I felt it was good, so definitely didn’t count me out.
“This is the, if not number one, best two best jobs you can ask for as an athlete, as a person. So I’ve seen that taken away and then it just puts you in a place with what you want to do. for the rest of your life So I’m very grateful to be back and I’ll do everything I can and stay as long as I want.”
