Michael Porter Jr. is getting stronger but still not practicing for Mizzou
Michael Porter Jr. has played just two minutes for Missouri this season, and it remains unclear if the one-time top prospect ever plays for the Tigers again.
He has started traveling with the team to road games while still recovering from back surgery he underwent in November 2017, but coach Cuonzo Martin said once again Tuesday that Porter is still not practicing with MU.
“He’s doing a little weight lifting here and there, but nothing on the floor,” Martin said.
A video on Twitter captured Porter shooting baskets this past weekend at the recreation center on MU’s campus. He even jumped a little, something he said his rehab regimen did not permit him to do as recently as early January.
Getting some shots up with Jontay. Looks good to me. pic.twitter.com/IMcAzSCsML
— Eli Lederman (@EliLederman12) January 28, 2018
But does any of this mean he will play for Missouri this season, before he almost certainly declares for the NBA Draft? The Tigers have just 10 regular-season games remaining.
“I’d love to obviously play with him,” said Mizzou freshman Jontay Porter, who graduated high school early to play with his older brother. “…I have no way of knowing if he’ll be back this year. It’s truly up to him and his body and how he’s able to recover. I know everyday he’s working toward getting back here as soon as possible. If it’s this year, great. If not, it’s been great having him here at Mizzou.”
The younger brother said Porter Jr. is “definitely getting more strong, more able to move.” He did not say whether Porter Jr. is nearing full health.
“He’s shooting and he doesn’t really miss,” Jontay Porter said. “So I guess you can say that.”
Aaron Reiss: 816-234-4042, @aaronjreiss
This story was originally published January 30, 2018 at 4:33 PM.