[ad_1]
CLEVELAND, Ohio – The Cleveland Cavaliers have made the decision to leave mercurial swingman Kevin Porter Jr. – a disappointing end to his promising and equally turbulent tenure in Cleveland. It’s a call the Cavs weren’t hastily made and supported by players, many of whom tried to help Porter.
“We got it,” a player told cleveland.com on Monday afternoon. “It had to happen to maintain our culture. Things are going in the right direction at the moment.
“It’s difficult everywhere. It’s sad, ”said another player. “No one likes to see this happen, but there was no other option. I just hope the best for him.
The Cavs have presented business offers for the 2019 first-round pick and will continue to explore the market, sources say. If they can’t come to a deal soon, Porter will be released, sources say.
“I think the players will be disappointed because they have a relationship with Kevin like we all do,” said Cavs head coach JB Bickerstaff, who did not specifically confirm Porter’s status with organization, but certainly hinted at a departure. “I feel like the guys are convinced of what we’re trying to do, and they’ll continue to come forward and give us the effort they’ve given us so far.
The Cavs have spent months trying to help Porter regain his life – even though a source recently called him an “energy drain.” Porter trained with the team on Thursday. The following night, he joined his teammates on the bench, cheering them on and interacting happily with coaches and players in the 106-103 win over the New York Knicks – part of the organization’s reintegration plan.
It looked like Porter was taking positive steps for a possible comeback. But his little explosion in the locker room after the game, which was the culmination of countless missteps including disrespectful teammates and staff, has become the tipping point.
Porter got angry and started screaming when he entered the locker room and realized that the team had given their old locker to newcomer Taurean Prince, which was acquired as part of the blockbuster James Harden to four teams last week. A source said the decision was based on the seniority and spacing of the NBA to adhere to COVID-19 protocols. General manager Koby Altman, whose relationship with Porter dates back to when he was a freshman at USC, came in and attempted to discuss the matter. Porter was unwilling to calm down and the verbal exchange between Porter and Altman was “uncomfortable for everyone,” a source who witnessed it said.
Following this confrontation, Porter was ordered to clear his locker and leave the building. He did not practice the next day. The Cavs were off Sunday. They returned to the ground Monday without Porter, who has been banned from the team’s premises for now.
“We all want to see Kevin succeed, and I still feel it,” Bickerstaff said. “So whatever happens in the future for him, I hope only for the best for him. And it’s part of our responsibility as coaches to give everyone our maximum and to try to make the most of each situation. I can say we did.
Bickerstaff said the Cavs have had a great training day. Newcomers Prince and Jarrett Allen attended for the first time. Darius Garland, Collin Sexton and Dylan Windler were involved. Bickerstaff didn’t see Porter’s situation as some sort of distraction or dark cloud. As a team, the Cavs even watched part of Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech, discussing how relative the speech is to now.
“We will continue to build together,” Bickerstaff said. “All we want is the best for him. No matter what that looks like, we want the best for Kevin.
Porter, 20, has yet to play this season due to personal issues and became frustrated because the team were holding him. In August 2020, he was charged with punching a woman in the face. In October, Porter posted a black square on his Instagram with the message “Would you ever like to see the end of your time?” This incident led to Cavs officials and teammates reaching out to him, making sure he was okay and offering to help. He was involved in a car accident in November. He was arrested and charged with mishandling a firearm in a motor vehicle, failing to control the vehicle and possession of marijuana. All of these charges were dismissed.
After averaging 10 points and 3.2 rebounds as a rookie last year in 23.2 minutes, Porter was seen as one of the bright spots in this rebuild and a potential cornerstone of the franchise. The team picked an option in Porter’s contract last month and he has one year left at $ 1.7 million on that deal. Now, despite an abundance of talent, his future in the NBA is in jeopardy.
“Brutal news,” said a rival leader. “I just hope the kid makes the right decisions on their next opportunity, otherwise they might not get another.”
The Cavs took a risk on Porter last June, believing in his talent and the structure they have put in place. But the maturity issues, which caused his draft night to fall, have persisted – and it goes well beyond a Nov. 15 arrest, a recent screaming match with Altman, and a anger. He couldn’t string enough good days in a row and continued to sabotage his own progress.
Through it all, the Cavs have remained by his side. Altman even called him a “good person.” They never suspended it. They didn’t fine him. They tried to work with him, investing time, energy, effort and resources. They gave him plenty of opportunities – perhaps more than any other organization – to show he’s emotionally capable of handling whatever comes as a player and professional in the NBA. Bickerstaff was particularly interested in Porter’s development. But the collective fatigue was getting too strong and the fear that he was a negative influence began to grow.
“I hope he can make a difference, but first and foremost he has to want to help himself,” said another player.
Bickerstaff asked Monday why it was not working in Cleveland. He even reflected on his role and if there was anything he could have done differently.
“I sincerely believe we’ve done our best to make it work,” said Bickerstaff. “I can be good about it.”
–
New Cavs Face Masks For Sale: Here’s where you can purchase Cleveland Cavaliers-themed face coverings for coronavirus protection, including a single mask ($ 14.99) and a 3-pack ($ 24.99). All NBA profits have been donated to charity.
More Cavaliers coverage
Bickerstaff’s challenge: finding room for Allen, Drummond and McGee in the frontcourt
Consecutive games against Washington postponed due to COVID concerns
Reconstruction plan focuses with Jarrett Allen trade that was ‘too good to pass up’
Breaking the Allen Agreement, Prince: Podcast
Riders jump in the Harden trade make a great addition to the growth of the young core
Riders acquire Jarrett Allen, Prince of the Bull in Harden hit deal
Cavaliers looking for small wins as injuries increase
Injuries, wounds and other injuries for riders: podcast
Helpless horsemen, lacking the firepower to keep up with Jazz
[ad_2]
Source link