INDIANAPOLIS — Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. suffered a minor setback in recent weeks during his rehab after back surgery, league sources told The Denver Post and no decision has been made about his immediate future.
The setback was due to overcompensation and overwork during his rehab, according to a source. Another source familiar with Porter’s injury called it “nothing major.”
The Nuggets have just six games left in the regular season and have not yet decided whether to close it for the remainder of the season, sources said.
During a national TV show a week ago, TNT reported that Porter had some “ups and downs” during his rehab. The same report suggested Jamal had overtaken Murray Porter in terms of his return date.
Porter, who accompanied the Nuggets on their two-game road trip to Charlotte and then Indianapolis, went through a pregame shooting routine Monday night ahead of Denver’s win over the Hornets.
Michael Porter Jr. works out against Charlotte ahead of tonight’s game. pic.twitter.com/sBhMDrpV3D
– Mike Singer (@msinger) March 28, 2022
Just a few weeks ago, Porter’s return this season seemed possible, and perhaps even likely. On Feb. 27, Porter’s agent Mark Bartelstein told the Post he was optimistic about a March return.
“There’s a very good chance he’ll come back if he keeps making progress,” Bartelstein said. “He ticked every box and is getting stronger every day.”
Porter underwent his third back surgery on December 1 and has been looking forward to returning ever since.
Murray is also staying out during his rehab after ACL surgery. Murray, like Porter, was doing target practice ahead of Monday’s game against the Hornets. No injured player was ruled out for the season.