Tag: Kevin Porter Jr.

Report: Rockets are working to remove or replace Kevin Porter Jr. from roster

Per @ShamsCharania, the #Rockets plan to keep Kevin Porter Jr. away from training camp and are working to replace (by trade) or remove him from the roster.

Two days after Kevin Porter Jr.’s arrest for an alleged assault and strangulation in New York, the Houston Rockets already appear to be moving on as it pertains to their roster plans for the 2023-24 season.

Per Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Rockets have contacted multiple teams to inquire about transactions involving Porter’s contract, under which he’s set to make $15.9 million this year.

“Teams that consider taking on Porter’s salary via trade would have to keep in mind the optics of taking on a player under felony assault and strangulation charges,” Charania wrote. “They would also have to weigh whether they’re receiving enough draft picks for essentially an expiring contract who they would likely waive immediately.”

Charania expands:

In deal scenarios using Porter’s contract, the Rockets would be using his salary to target a player under contract who can play immediately and help the team, league sources said.

The Rockets are keeping all options open with the future of Porter, a league source said.

The guard is not expected to attend Rockets’ training camp in early October, league sources say.

In short, general manager Rafael Stone is trying to use Porter’s $15.9-million slot for salary matching purposes in a trade. While Houston could cut Porter from its roster and/or wait for the NBA to potentially void Porter’s contract for violating its domestic violence policy (the league’s investigation is just starting), those scenarios wouldn’t give Stone any path to replace Porter on the current roster and within the rotation of new head coach Ime Udoka.

Since Houston is above the salary cap, regardless, there’s no ability to then bring in outside help to replace Porter’s expected production. He started 120 games over the past two seasons. His salary slot could also prove useful in future trade hypotheticals.

Thus, what the Rockets are attempting to do is trade draft compensation for a Porter replacement. In the process, they would be using his salary slot ($15.9 million) as the financial vehicle to make such a transaction work under the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

The question, of course, is whether another team is willing to technically trade for Porter under these circumstances — even though that team would immediately waive him. If not, as evinced by Houston’s choice to keep Porter away from training camp, it seems apparent there will be an eventual parting of ways, regardless.

At this point, it’s seems a matter of whether the Rockets can use his contract to help facilitate a trade — or if they’ll simply have to deal with losing that salary slot on their long-term books. Either way, the end game for Porter in Houston is becoming increasingly clear.

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NBA Commissioner Adam Silver updates Kevin Porter Jr. investigation

Because the NBA isn’t currently in season, the league office can take a bit more time in investigating the alleged Kevin Porter Jr. assault, according to Adam Silver.

Because the NBA isn’t in season, the league office can take more time investigating the alleged Kevin Porter Jr. assault.

Adam Silver, commissioner of the league, addressed the subject in a televised interview on ESPN. As part of the new collective bargaining agreement, the NBA has jurisdiction over individual teams in the matter of domestic violence allegations, meaning the Rockets can’t discipline Porter for the incident until the NBA rules first.

With 2023-24 training camps not opening until early October, there’s nothing to prompt an immediate decision regarding Porter’s availability.

Silver explained at Wednesday’s NBA Board of Governors press conference (partial transcript by Salman Ali, Red Nation Hoops):

The allegations here are horrific, no question about it. … But I don’t know anything more about the actual facts, other than reading those allegations.

We’re not in season. … We have a bit of time to decide whether it would be appropriate for him to go to training camp or not.

The timetable for a ruling is not clear. Porter is due to appear in a New York court on Oct. 16 in connection with the case.

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Kysre Gondrezick’s attorney disputes some reporting tied to alleged Kevin Porter Jr. assault

In a statement to @balleralert, the attorney for alleged assault victim Kysre Gondrezick disputes some of this week’s reporting regarding the Kevin Porter Jr. case.

While not a full-throated denial, Kevin Porter Jr.’s alleged assault and strangulation victim is disputing some of the reporting in the aftermath of Porter’s Monday arrest in New York.

The attorney for Kysre Gondrezick, a former WNBA player and Porter’s long-time girlfriend, issued her statement to Baller Alert.

“(She) wants to express her deep appreciation for the public’s support and prayers,”  said Robert Hantman of Robert Hantman and Associates. “In regards to our client, much that has been written in the press attributing statements to her are misleading and inaccurate.”

“She has not granted nor released any statements on her own volition,” the statement continues. “She asks everyone to respect her privacy and avoid speculation as to what occurred and refrain from disclosing any misleading statements as to Mr. Porter.”

Baller Alert shares further details:

Multiple news outlets reported Monday that Gondrezick had informed law enforcement that Porter had struck her repeatedly with a closed fist and forcibly choked her during the altercation. However, Gondrezick (asserts) she has not provided any verbal or written statement for prosecutorial purposes.

Additionally, some reports had suggested that Gondrezick sustained a fractured vertebra in her neck as a result of the alleged assault. In response, representatives clarified that Gondrezick had not given her consent for the release of her medical records. Instead, they claimed that information regarding her injuries may have been relayed by an officer who overheard discussions among medical personnel, rather than through direct statements from the doctors treating her.

Furthermore, Gondrezick’s representatives strongly refuted claims that her relationship with Porter was tumultuous and abusive. They insisted that such narratives were untrue. “In no way does that represent what their relationship has been.”

Both the Rockets and the NBA have said they are in the process of gathering more information regarding the incident.

While Gondrezick’s lack of a statement for prosecutorial purposes could affect the legal case against Porter, it does not necessarily influence discipline from the Rockets or the NBA.

The NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement, which took effect July 1, stipulates a player does not have to be convicted of a crime to be in violation of the league’s domestic violence policy.

Commissioner Adam Silver can choose to put a player on paid administrative leave while the league investigates and, based on the findings, has the authority to, “fine, suspend, or dismiss and disqualify” a player “from any further association with the NBA and its teams,” according to Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle.

As the case moves forward, Porter is due back in court in Manhattan on Oct. 16. The Rockets begin training camp for the 2023-24 season earlier that month, and Porter’s status remains unclear.

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After eventful offseason, Rockets, Rafael Stone tasked with rebuilding image

The #Rockets remain in something of a rebuild with the team’s on-court product, but rebuilding their image is another challenge for Rafael Stone, @BigSargeSportz writes.

HOUSTON — On Monday morning at Toyota Center, Rockets general manager Rafael Stone stood in front of media members to talk about the evenst that sent the world into a frenzy on Sept. 11, 2001. It was part of the franchise’s annual Patriot Day tribute (this year, a Heroes Luncheon) to military members and first responders.

Unfortunately, Stone — who took questions on a few basketball topics — had no clue his organization was about to be rocked to its core.

Minutes after Stone walked away from reporters, news broke that Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. had been arrested in New York on charges of assault and strangulation of his girlfriend, Kysre Gondrezick.

As hours progressed, details of the alleged assault surfaced, including information that Porter punched Gondrezick in the face multiple times and grabbed her by the neck. It was revealed that Gondrezick complained of neck pain and spent several hours at a local hospital. It was determined she had suffered a fractured vertebra among her reported injuries.

On Tuesday, Porter entered a not-guilty plea and was told by the judge he must again appear before the court on Oct. 16, 2023.

With media day and the start of 2023-24 training camp approaching in early October, Stone will soon have to answer questions concerning the character of the organization.

Many question the hiring of new head coach Ime Udoka, who was suspended and eventually fired from the Celtics after leading his team to the NBA Finals in his first year. It was revealed that Udoka had an improper relationship with a woman on Boston’s staff.

Although he was remorseful in his introductory press conference, even admitting he attended counseling with his son to help heal, Udoka still came under criticism regarding his character. Some media and fans questioned if he had truly learned from past mistakes.

Stone, who took over as general manager in October 2020 after Daryl Morey’s exit, wants this team to move in a new direction. But at every turn so far, chaos has kept the Rockets on the launch pad.

Former All-Star guards Russell Westbrook, James Harden and John Wall parted with the organization under somewhat strained terms at the time. Interestingly, it was the Porter experiment at point guard that led to the Rockets seeing less of a role for Wall. On the sidelines, former head coach Stephen Silas began the process of Houston’s current rebuild but wasn’t allowed to see it all the way through, and he was subsequently replaced by Udoka.

The Rockets are 59-177 (.250) over the previous three seasons, with a record at the bottom of the Western Conference in each of the seasons. Even after signing marquee veterans Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green this offseason, the task of improving the on-court product is not easy. It is likely to take the organization some time.

At the same time, Stone also needs to restore the franchise’s image. Between Udoka’s baggage and recent developments involving Porter, that aspect of the rebuild could prove just as challenging.

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Woj: Kevin Porter Jr.’s future with Rockets, NBA ‘very much in peril’

Woj: “There’s no question that Kevin Porter Jr.’s future, not just with the Rockets but in the NBA, is very much in peril. These are extremely serious allegations.”

In the aftermath of an alleged attack that left his girlfriend with a fractured neck vertebra and a cut above her right eye, the future of Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. is very much in question.

Porter is being charged with felony assault and strangulation in New York, where the incident allegedly took place.

Since learning of the incident on Monday, Sept. 11, both the Rockets and the NBA have said they are in the process of gathering more information, which will likely dictate the subsequent steps in terms of potential discipline and Porter’s future as a player. According to the terms of the league’s latest collective bargaining agreement, the NBA’s investigation takes precedence.

In a Tuesday television appearance, ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski shared his insight. Among his comments:

The league has launched an investigation, and they will handle it in the near-term. The Houston Rockets, by the by-laws, they can’t suspend or waive him while this investigation is going on. But Adam Silver could put Porter on administrative leave.

There’s no question that Kevin Porter Jr.’s future, not just with the Rockets but in the NBA, is very much in peril. These are extremely serious allegations.

Going back a number of years to USC, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Houston Rockets, problems have followed him. Cleveland drafted him late in the first round and essentially gave up on him. His contract with Houston was a very team-friendly deal with non-guaranteed money after the first year.

According to ESPN colleague Bobby Marks, the NBA has the jurisdiction to potentially void Porter’s contract, entirely, under the provisions of the CBA’s current domestic violence policy.

His contract calls for Porter to be paid at least $15.9 million by the Rockets in the 2023-24 season, though there is minimal guaranteed money owed beyond that. Should the allegations be true, the optimal scenario for Houston would be for the league office to void the deal.

Over three seasons and 146 games (143 starts) with the Rockets since being acquired in January 2021, Porter has averaged 17.2 points (42.8% FG, 36.1% on 3-pointers) and 6 assists per game. He’s 23 years old and was on the verge of entering his fifth NBA season, but suddenly that appears very much in doubt.

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Report: Kevin Porter Jr.’s alleged domestic attack led to girlfriend’s fractured neck vertebra

New York prosectors said Kevin Porter Jr.’s alleged attack left his girlfriend with a fractured neck vertebrae. He also allegedly punched her in the face with a closed fist.

Kevin Porter Jr.’s alleged attack on his girlfriend at a New York City hotel left the woman with a fractured neck vertebra and a cut above her right eye, prosecutors revealed at his arraignment Tuesday, according to an Associated Press (AP) report.

As reported by Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Porter is being charged in New York with felony assault and strangulation.

“Upon arrival, officers were informed that a 26-year-old female sustained a laceration to the right side of her face and was complaining about pain to her neck,” Feigen quoted an NYPD spokesperson as saying. “A preliminary investigation on scene determined that a known individual struck her multiple times upon her body and placed his hands around her neck.”

According to the AP, the incident took place early Monday at the Millennium Hilton near the United Nations in Manhattan. Porter was not required to enter a plea during Tuesday’s brief court appearance.

The AP has further details:

Porter, who had been in police custody since his arrest around 6:45 a.m. Monday, was ordered to post $75,000 cash or obtain a $100,000 bond to secure his release. He was also ordered to stay away from his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick.

Porter is due back in court in Manhattan on Oct. 16. The Rockets are scheduled to play a preseason game that day in San Antonio.

According to the criminal complaint, Gondrezick told police that Porter also punched her repeatedly in the face with a closed fist.

Via ESPN:

According to a criminal complaint, Gondrezick told police that he punched her repeatedly in the face with a closed fist, cutting her above the right eye and causing bruising and substantial pain to her face.

Gondrezick said the NBA star also forcefully squeezed her neck with his hands, causing her difficulty breathing, redness and bruising to her neck.

Hospital testing showed that Gondrezick, 26, sustained a fractured vertebra in her neck, the criminal complaint said.

Both the Rockets and the NBA say they are in the process of gathering more information, which will likely dictate the next steps in terms of potential discipline and Porter’s future in the league.

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Rockets, NBA issue statements on Kevin Porter Jr.’s assault arrest

Both the Houston Rockets and the NBA issued statements Monday after Kevin Porter Jr.’s arrest in New York for alleged assault and strangulation.

The Houston Rockets and the NBA responded Monday afternoon to Kevin Porter Jr.’s morning arrest in New York for an alleged domestic assault and strangulation involving his girlfriend.

“We are aware of the reports regarding Kevin Porter Jr.,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said, per Kelly Iko of The Athletic. “The league office is in contact with the Rockets and in the process of gathering more information.”

Porter, who joined the Rockets in January 2021, was drafted by Cleveland in the 2019 first round. Due to concerning off-court incidents, the Cavaliers traded him to Houston after less than two years, and they did so for minimal compensation. One incident involved an allegation that he punched a woman in the face.

Until Monday, there had been no such incident (at least not a known one) during Porter’s two-plus years with the Rockets. Now that there is, his future with the Rockets could be in question.

In a statement, the Rockets said they would withhold further comment until more information is gathered:

We are in the process of gathering information surrounding the matter involving Kevin Porter Jr. We have no further comment at this time.

Under the terms of his contract, Porter is owed approximately $15.9 million for the 2023-24 season, and future seasons are mostly non-guaranteed. However, ESPN’s Bobby Marks reports that under the terms of domestic violence policy within the NBA’s latest collective bargaining agreement, the league has the jurisdiction to void the contract entirely, including this season.

Thus, rather than immediately cutting ties, it could behoove the Rockets to await the NBA’s investigation and its policy conclusions. In the meantime, as Marks notes, Houston could ask Porter to stay away from the team during this process.

Read on for what specifics we know of Porter’s current situation, along with immediate reaction across social media.

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Reports: Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. arrested for alleged domestic assault, strangulation

#Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested Monday and charged with assault and strangulation in New York, according to multiple media reports.

Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter is under arrest in New York City for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, a WNBA player, according to a report from New York’s ABC affiliate, WABC.

Porter, who is 23 years old and a four-year NBA veteran, is in custody at the NYPD’s 17th precinct in Midtown, WABC reported Monday.

WABC has further details, citing police sources:

Porter returned early Monday morning from an evening out to the Millennium Hotel … where he and his girlfriend were staying.

According to police sources, the victim was upset with the late hour of his return and locked the door.

Once he entered with the help of hotel security, Porter is accused of beating up the woman, the sources said. The extent of the victim’s injuries was not immediately clear.

Domestic assault charges are pending against Porter.

Per Jonathan Feigen of the Houston Chronicle, Porter was charged with assault and strangulation.

“Upon arrival officers were informed that a 26-year-old female sustained a laceration to the right side of her face and was complaining about pain to her neck,” Feigen quotes an NYPD spokesperson as saying. “A preliminary investigation on scene determined that a known individual struck her multiple times upon her body and placed his hands around her neck.”

Porter, who joined the Rockets in January 2021, was drafted by Cleveland in the 2019 first round. But following some concerning off-court incidents, the Cavaliers traded him to Houston for minimal compensation after less than two years. One of those incidents involved an allegation that he punched a woman in the face.

Since then, Porter played in 120 games for the Rockets over the past two seasons, all starts, and there were no known off-court incidents over his those Houston years. Monday’s report changes that, and it remains to be seen how the team will respond in the days ahead.

Rockets general manager Rafael Stone initially declined comment, according to Feigen’s report.

Complete Houston Rockets player ratings list for NBA 2K24 video game

Among #Rockets players, Fred VanVleet, Jalen Green, and Alperen Sengun are leading the way in NBA 2K24’s initial player rankings for the 2023-24 season.

The looming release of the NBA 2K24 video game (Friday, Sept. 8) also involves learning NBA 2K’s ratings for all players across the league. To determine virtual skills, players are rated 1-to-100 across many categories, including a frequently disputed overall rating.

Courtesy of HoopsHype, we also have an idea how each player stacks up compared to his NBA peers. For example, the highest-rated players on the 2023-24 Rockets roster — veteran guard Fred VanVleet, third-year guard Jalen Green and third-year center Alperen Sengun — all have an overall rating of 83, per 2Kratings.com.

Based on HoopsHype’s data from last season, that would be tied for 57th overall while matching players such as Draymond Green, Klay Thompson, Jordan Poole, Mikal Bridges, Jonas Valanciunas, Jalen Brunson, John Collins, Desmond Bane and Nikola Vucevic.

Houston’s fourth-highest-rated player is Kevin Porter Jr., who has an 81 rating. That would be tied for 85th based on HoopsHype’s player data from the 2022-23 game cycle.

From best to worst, scroll on for the initial list of overall ratings involving  players on the 2023-24 Rockets. Additional ratings in other categories, such as 3-point shooting and dunking, are available at 2Kratings.com. Depending on results this season, these roster ratings could be adjusted in future NBA 2K digital updates.

Every Houston Rockets player who’s scored 50 points in a game

How many players have scored 50-plus points for the #Rockets in an NBA game? The list is shorter than you might think.

By almost any metric, the Houston Rockets are one of the NBA’s better franchises. In addition to representing the fourth-largest city in the United States, they are one of only 11 clubs to win multiple championships (1993-94, 1994-95) and they rank 11th among the league’s 30 franchises in all-time winning percentage (.515).

That winning clip, of course, was higher before this rebuilding run of the past three seasons, which allowed Houston to get three straight top-four draft picks. But after stockpiling first-round talent from those drafts and supplementing it with a new head coach (Ime Udoka) and key veterans (Fred VanVleet, Dillon Brooks and Jeff Green) in the 2023 offseason, a resurgence may not be far away.

Historically, the Rockets are a proud franchise, and they’re striving to return to their past glory. Since debuting as the San Diego Rockets in 1967-68, a wealth of basketball talent has passed through the club: Hall of Famers, MVPs and all-time greats.

Now, in this dull part of the offseason, we’re looking back at some of the history the Rockets have produced during their NBA years.

This edition looks at elite scorers. Per StatMuse, eight players have scored 50-plus points in a regular-season game for the Rockets.

Ordered by number of 50-point games, those players are: