“Family is first but we have family here too,” Nikola Jokic reacts to Michael Porter Jr.’s brothers getting life-time ban and prison sentence

Jokic and team have MPJ's back.

“Family is first but we have family here too,” Nikola Jokic reacts to Michael Porter Jr.’s brothers getting life-time ban and prison sentence

Nikola Jokic and Michael Porter Jr.

The Denver Nuggets started their postseason with a win over the Lakers, setting the tone for the first round. Nikola Jokic led the way as they took a 1-0 series lead, aiming to finish the series early. However, their key forward, Michael Porter Jr., has been dealing with off-court issues recently.

The 25-year-old recently had two of his siblings face dangerous allegations. His brother, Coban Porter, was sentenced to six years in prison after he was found guilty of driving drunk, which ended up killing a woman.

Porter Jr.’s other sibling, Jontay Porter, was banned permanently from the league after an investigation revealed that he had been giving information to betters. Amidst all the controversy, Nikola Jokic gave his take on MPJ’s situation off the court.

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Of course, family is the first thing, but we are some kind of family too. So, hopefully, he can find peace and he's gonna be in good spot mentally.
said Nikola Jokic via Jake Shapiro of Denver Sports

Heading into the postseason, Michael Porter Jr. has prioritized team responsibility as the reigning champs aim to defend their title. Despite facing challenges right as the playoffs begin, MPJ remains focused and determined for the postseason ahead.

Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets made sure to check up on MPJ

Porter Jr. also talked about how he’s looked into his brothers’ situation and basketball simultaneously. He is well aware of the importance of this year’s playoffs, as he is also family with his teammates. In a recent interview, Michael Porter Jr. expressed how his teammates have helped him through this rough phase. 

I mean each one of them text me separately and just tell me they got my back if I need anything, they got me. A lot of people been reaching out, friends, family... To have these guys understand why I missed practice yesterday, just have my back. It's been big for me.
Michael Porter Jr. said in the post Game 1 presser

Jokic, the team captain, recognizes the challenges Michael Porter Jr. has been dealing with mentally this past week. Both the team and coach Michael Malone have been supportive of MPJ during this time.

Despite the difficulties, Porter Jr. had a strong performance in Game 1, scoring 19 points and grabbing 8 rebounds with over 53% shooting from the field. As they prepare for Game 2 of the first round, the Nuggets aim to increase their series lead to 2-0 against the Lakers.

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