The Houston Rockets received some great news coming out of the All-Star break. Their starting point guard Kevin Porter Jr., who missed the previous two games before the break versus the Phoenix Suns and Los Angeles Clippers, is set to return on Friday in Orlando.
“A couple of days ago,” said Porter, who was asked when he felt at full strength. “I needed this break. I’ve been dealing with my chest breathing problems for some time now. This break, having time to rest and getting the right medicine helped me. I’m feeling a lot better.”
Porter has dealt with a lingering non-COVID-related respiratory issue for weeks, and his absences began on Feb. 4 in San Antonio — when he did not return after playing only 11 minutes. He then played the next four games on the Rockets’ schedule before being ruled out in the final two contests before the 2022 NBA All-Star break.
Even with the respiratory issue, Porter’s production has steadily improved throughout the 2021-22 season. The third-year guard is averaging 13.7 points (38.0% on 3-pointers) and 6.2 assists in 30.1 minutes, and in 20 games since returning from a thigh injury in late December, the 6-foot-4 guard is shooting 44.4% on 3-pointers over that span.
Rockets PG Kevin Porter Jr. on teammate Dennis Schröder:
“He is teaching a lot of us how to be a professional. That is what we needed on this team.”#Rockets #LightTheFuse #Sarge pic.twitter.com/RFUKWlIRS6— #SARGE (@BigSargeSportz) February 25, 2022
With Porter’s return to the starting lineup, veteran guard Dennis Schröder will come off the bench in a reserve role after starting the previous two games. Houston traded for Schröder earlier this month right, and he has played well, averaging 7.6 assists in three outings since.
“Him being vocal and communication is key,” Porter said of Schröder. “He has been a big difference already for being here only a short amount of time. He is teaching a lot of us how to be a professional. That is what we needed on this team. We have youth (on the team), but having vets around like Eric (Gordon) and Dennis is something we needed.”
