The third-year guard needs to maximize the opportunity this season.
Craig Porter Jr. looked like a Swiss-Army Knife in the making when he made his Summer League debut for the Cleveland Cavaliers back in 2023. Since then, he’s made little developmental progress… and finds himself right back in Las Vegas for the third year in a row.
Last year’s trip to Vegas was a concern. Porter’s poor performance was the first sign that he might not have taken the leap that many were hoping for.
CPJ entered the 2024 Summer League while managing a foot injury. Still, his decision-making, especially on offense, was severely lacking. Porter Jr shot 21% throughout the Summer League and was very loose with his shot selection, wildly firing away from the perimeter.
Last summer was a foreshadowing of the lack of development CPJ would display in his sophomore season. Porter would be given the opportunity for key minutes; however, very little stood out. Now entering what feels like a pivotal season for the longevity of his career, Porter is playing in his third Summer League.
If there was ever a time for CPJ to grow as a basketball player, it was this offseason. The Cavaliers have shuffled their guard room with Ty Jerome leaving in free agency. Even with the addition of Lonzo Ball, CPJ has minutes for the taking as Ball is prone to injury, and the bench has seen a major upheaval.
It also seems as if the Cavaliers have some internal concerns over Porter Jr’s motivation and work ethic. In an excerpt by Terry Pluto, it was noted how the Cavaliers are working to “raise the level of his (Porter Jr) intensity and work ethic”. Seems like there was a deliberate choice to invest in CPJ to rise to the occasion. It is odd that a fully guaranteed contract third-year player is in their third stint of the Summer League.
While it is concerning that the Cavaliers feel the need to test CPJ’s development and work ethic, it is better for the team to find out where his game stands in July rather than in pre-season. Porter Jr is someone who should stand out in the Summer League, as long as his game has progressed and the shot-making has shown some growth.
A successful Summer for CPJ, ironically, would be one where he plays limited minutes. This would imply that the staff is satisfied with what they are seeing developmentally and doesn’t want to risk injury. If we are in the third game of the Cavaliers’ stint in Las Vegas and Porter Jr is playing heavy minutes, then you know things are trending in the wrong direction.
Porter Jr profiles as someone who can offer quality back-up minutes, and the opportunity has never been more open than it is now for the Wichita State guard. CPJ has raw athleticism and good defensive intangibles. If he can regain his confidence and improve his shooting, he’ll be well-positioned to step into the significant role that the front office and coaching staff have outlined for him.