Kevin Porter Jr. scores career-high 32 for Rockets’ G…

Kevin Porter Jr. scores career-high 32 for Rockets’ G League affiliate

Second-year guard Kevin Porter Jr. had 32 points, 9 assists and 7 rebounds on Monday in a 135-117 victory (box score) by the Rio Grande Valley Vipers over the Westchester Knicks.

Rio Grande Valley, or RGV, is participating in the NBA G League’s abbreviated bubble season in Florida.

The 32 points scored by the 6-foot-4 left-hander are his most as a professional. In 36 minutes played, the athletic 20-year-old shot 12-of-18 (66.7%) overall and 2-of-4 (50.0%) on 3-pointers.

For the Rockets, Porter is the highest-profile player assigned to the Vipers. After being selected in the first round of the 2019 NBA draft, Porter averaged 10.0 points in 23.2 minutes per game during his rookie season with the Cavaliers. However, his 2020-21 activities in Cleveland were extremely limited due to numerous personal issues.

Since Houston traded for Porter in January, Rockets head coach Stephen Silas has stressed the importance of a slow reintegration plan, and time at the G League bubble in Florida appears to be part of that process. Though the G League season runs through early March, the Rockets could choose to bring Porter back to the NBA at any time before then — just as they did with big man Ray Spalding over the weekend.

Kevin Porter Jr today:

36 MIN
32 PTS
7 REB
9 AST
2 STL
12-18 FG (66.7%)
2-4 3PT (50%)
3-5 FT (60%)
74.3 TS%
4 TOV
+12

His career-high as a pro. Looked very comfortable. Got to his spots and was able to make the right decisions from there. Incredibly shifty.

Full highlights: ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ZIFvBIP93h

— Disney Gary Clark (@Itamar1710) February 15, 2021

At the NBA level, the Rockets (11-15) are on a season-long losing streak of five games, and Victor Oladipo — the team’s usual starter at shooting guard — remains sidelined with a right foot strain.

In theory, Porter could offer a needed reinforcement, and his play in the G League is sending a clear signal that he’s capable of contributing soon. However, the team is looking to balance basketball considerations with what’s best for Porter’s personal development. While he’s likely to play for the Rockets in the second half of the 2020-21 regular season, it remains to be seen whether Porter can expedite the timetable.