On Day 1 of NBA Free Agency, the Los Angeles Clippers have agreed to sign Kevin Porter Jr. to a two-year deal, per The Athletic’s Shams Charania.
Porter previously reached a plea agreement of a third-degree reckless assault misdemeanor in January. He is in the process of completing a court-ordered program, and once completed his plea will move to not-guilty with no criminal record. https://t.co/bJCTMQmeEA
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 30, 2024
Porter, who’s represented by Sam Permut of Roc Nation Sports, plead guilty to misdemeanor assault and harassment charges in January. These charges stem from a September incident in which he was accused of striking his ex-girlfriend –WNBA veteran Kysre Gondrezick –in the face and strangling her. Gondrezick would later claim that she never accused Porter of domestic violence. Nonetheless, the New York Post reports that the assault only stopped once she “fled the room and was found bloodied and bruised by hotel employees in the hall.” Gondrezick also suffered fractured vertebrae in her neck.
Clippers Sign Kevin Porter Jr. After Fall From Grace
As punishment for his crimes, Porter was subject to a limited restraining order and a 26-week counseling program. By taking the plea deal, Porter was able to avoid incarceration. He’ll also be able to remove his plea to reckless assault, though he’ll still be guilty of harassment. If this seems like a light punishment, it is. Unfortunately for domestic violence victims, this is all too common, especially for the rich and famous.
With that being said, when people are deserving of second chances, it usually requires them to show contrition. Porter hasn’t gone on an apology tour or publicly donated to organizations created to empower and protect women. However, for what it’s worth, he’s stayed out of the spotlight rather than acting innocent or above the allegations. He’s also completing his court-ordered counseling. That won’t be enough for many people, but it was enough for the Clippers. Notably, L.A. signed Josh Primo less than a year after he was accused of indecent exposure.
Kevin Porter Jr.’s On-Court Fit
Looking at Porter’s time on the court rather than in it, one can see why a number of teams were interested in him.
His age (24) is one factor, as he’s a former first-round pick who has yet to hit his prime. Yet, he’s also a skilled guard with the ability to impact the game in myriad ways. As a scorer, Porter’s ball-handling and athleticism allow him to pry his way into the paint at will. He isn’t the most accurate jump shooter but his touch allows him to be a three-level scorer. He’s an adept playmaker, with the ability to be a primary or secondary facilitator due his passing ability and court vision. Defensively, he’s capable of guarding 1-3 due to his physical tools.
It’s unclear what role he’ll have with L.A. next season. However, with star Paul George potentially on the move after opting for free agency, it might be a significant one.
