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I remember watching Jontay Porter during his brief NBA stint and thinking this was one of the most intriguing big men prospects I'd seen in years. Standing at 6-foot-11 with legitimate three-point range and impressive court vision, he seemed to possess that rare combination of size and skill that teams desperately covet in today's game. Yet here we are, analyzing his career from outside the NBA bubble, with the talented big man now making waves in international basketball. His current performance for Meralco in the EASL tells a fascinating story - averaging 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game might not jump off the page, but when you consider the context of his journey and the role he's playing, these numbers become much more meaningful.

What strikes me most about Porter's situation is how injuries derailed what looked like a promising NBA career. I've followed numerous prospects through the years, but few have faced the brutal injury luck that Porter encountered. Two ACL tears before even turning 21 - that's the kind of setback that would end many careers before they even started. Yet what impresses me isn't just that he's still playing, but that he's maintained that unique skill set that made him special. Watching him in the EASL, I can still see glimpses of that Missouri version who had scouts so excited - the smooth shooting stroke, the intelligent passing, the defensive anticipation. His current stat line of 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds for Meralco doesn't tell the whole story because his impact extends beyond traditional numbers. He's spacing the floor, making the right reads, and providing veteran leadership despite being only 24 years old.

The transition to international basketball, particularly his role as a naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas, represents what I believe could be the perfect second act for his career. International basketball values different skills than the modern NBA, and Porter's combination of size, shooting, and basketball IQ translates beautifully to the international game. His 6-foot-11 frame gives him the versatility to play both inside and out, something that's increasingly valuable across all levels of basketball. I'm particularly impressed with how he's adapted his game - he's not trying to be the primary scorer but rather the connective tissue that makes everyone else better. That maturity in understanding his role speaks volumes about his basketball intelligence and suggests he has plenty of basketball life left in him.

Looking at his future prospects, I'm more optimistic than many analysts might be. At just 24, Porter still has time to develop into a valuable rotation player, whether that's back in the NBA or as a star in international competitions. His current production of 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds in the EASL might seem modest, but when you watch the games, you see the foundation of someone who understands how to play winning basketball. The shooting touch is still there - I've seen him knock down threes with that same smooth release that had NBA teams interested. The passing vision remains elite for a big man. And perhaps most importantly, he appears to have regained his mobility defensively, which was the biggest question mark following his injuries.

What really excites me about Porter's potential return to the NBA is how the game has evolved since he last played there. The league now values exactly the type of skills he possesses - floor-spacing bigs who can pass and defend multiple positions. Teams are constantly searching for players who can play the "point-center" role, and Porter's skill set aligns perfectly with that archetype. I could easily see him fitting as a backup big on a contender, providing 15-20 productive minutes per game with his combination of outside shooting and high-post playmaking. His rebounding numbers in the EASL - 6.7 per game - suggest he's regained his timing and explosiveness around the basket, which translates directly to NBA readiness.

The path back to the NBA won't be easy, but I've seen crazier comebacks happen. Porter needs to continue building on his EASL performance, perhaps get a Summer League invitation, and prove he can stay healthy through an extended period. But the foundation is there, and at his age, he's just entering what should be his physical prime. The fact that he's maintained his skills through multiple serious injuries speaks to his work ethic and love for the game. Personally, I'm rooting for him to make it back because the NBA is more interesting with versatile big men who can stretch defenses and make clever plays.

In my assessment, Porter's future likely involves continuing to excel internationally while waiting for the right NBA opportunity. His current role with Gilas Pilipinas as a naturalized player gives him a platform to showcase his skills on an international stage, and strong performances in FIBA competitions could certainly reignite NBA interest. The 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds he's averaging for Meralco represent just the beginning of what I believe he can accomplish. As he continues to regain confidence in his body and refine his game, I wouldn't be surprised to see those numbers climb significantly. The basketball world often writes players off too quickly after injuries, but Porter's story feels different - it feels like there are still chapters left to write, both internationally and potentially back in the league where he first captured our attention.