When Kevin Porter Jr. signed with PAOK in April 2024, few could have predicted the impact this signing would have for both parties. His move to Greece was not just about reviving his career but also about finding stability and proving his talent outside the NBA. Now with the Milwaukee Bucks, Porter Jr.’s brief yet eventful stint in Thessaloniki remains a crucial chapter in his career.
Four-year NBA guard Kevin Porter Jr. has agreed to a deal with Greek club PAOK for the rest of the season, sources tell me and @KellyIko. pic.twitter.com/3tmnMvVY7a
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 1, 2024
How Greece Connected Kevin Porter Jr. and Giannis
Porter Jr.’s Surprising Move to Greece
After facing serious legal troubles and being waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2023, Porter Jr. found himself without a team. He spent months searching for an NBA opportunity, but as time passed, the prospect of returning to the league dwindled. Eventually, he turned to European options, and PAOK emerged as a surprising, yet welcoming, destination.
PAOK recognized Porter Jr. as a potential game-changer, but securing his signature wasn’t easy. After weeks of discussions, he officially joined the team, eager to prove himself on European soil.
A Rocky Start, Followed by Dominance
Porter Jr.’s debut in Greece on April 6, 2024, was far from ideal. Against Lavrio, he struggled with his shot, finishing with just 14 points on 5-of-14 shooting while committing five turnovers. However in his second game, he quickly found his rhythm. Facing Karditsas in his home debut, he delivered a near triple-double performance, recording 19 points, 10 rebounds, and nine assists in a dominant display that led PAOK to victory. From that moment, he became the focal point of the team, averaging 22 points, 9.3 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 2.8 steals per game over six appearances.
A Historic Performance and an Emotional Goodbye
As PAOK entered the playoffs, Porter Jr. delivered one of the greatest individual performances in recent Greek league history. In a must-win game against Panathinaikos AKTOR, he played all 45 minutes, recording a triple-double with 23 points, 14 rebounds, and 10 assists. Despite his heroics, PAOK fell short, and their season came to an end.
After the final buzzer, Porter Jr. was visibly emotional, shedding tears as he left the court in Greece. In just a month and a half, he had built a strong bond with the team and the fans, making his departure bittersweet.
Kevin Porter Jr. got emotional after playing his last game of the season with PAOK and left the court with teary eyes. pic.twitter.com/HbtNT0QbpO
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 19, 2024
Giannis’ Admiration and the Next Chapter
Fast forward to February 2025, and Porter Jr. now finds himself as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s teammate in Milwaukee. Giannis recently expressed his admiration for Porter Jr., emphasizing how much he enjoys playing with him. He noted that Porter Jr. can impact the game both with and without the ball, plays hard defensively, and thrives in an environment where he feels wanted. Antetokounmpo also revealed that he had watched Porter Jr.’s games with PAOK and knew he wouldn’t stay in Greece for long.
Porter Jr.’s time in Greece was short-lived but impactful. It provided him with a platform to focus on basketball, rebuild his career, gain confidence, and showcase his abilities after a long break. Now, as he takes on a new challenge with the Bucks, Porter Jr. must prove that his success in Greece was no fluke.
Photo credit: © Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
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