Michael Porter Jr. and Trae Young go way back, and their latest conversation gets personal. The longtime friends opened up about leaving their teams, proving doubters wrong, and what’s next for both NBA stars.
Michael Porter Jr. and Trae Young go back a long way.
Long before they became NBA players, the two were around each other as young basketball players trying to figure out just how far the game could take them. Now, years later, they are both established NBA stars and remain close friends.
Porter Jr. brought Young onto the latest episode of Curious Mike, where they looked back on their basketball journeys, their friendship and everything that has happened since those early days.
Young also opened up about his decision to move on from the Atlanta Hawks and begin a new chapter in Washington.
The former Hawks guard explained that Atlanta had gone through multiple general managers during his time with the organization. After the arrival of his third GM, Young realized the situation could eventually go one of two ways.
“I knew it was time,” Young said.
Young said he still has plenty of love for Atlanta and its ownership group, but felt that moving on was the right decision for him. He also wanted to make sure his departure did not turn into a messy situation.
Growing up in Oklahoma City, Young watched what happened when Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook eventually left the Thunder. He said he wanted to handle his own departure differently and leave Atlanta on good terms.
Porter Jr. understood where Young was coming from.
The Nets forward went through his own frustrations during his time with the Denver Nuggets, including playing for three different general managers after being drafted by the organization.
The conversation then shifted toward what could be ahead for Porter Jr. in Brooklyn.
Young reminded Porter Jr. that he had predicted he would average 25 points per game last season. Porter Jr. eventually reached that mark before the All-Star break, and Young said he believed his longtime friend had a legitimate case to make the All-Star team.
Porter Jr. is now looking to build on that season with the Nets.
One of the biggest changes for Brooklyn will be adding Julius Randle, something Porter Jr. believes could create even more opportunities for him offensively. If Randle is drawing extra attention from defenses, Porter Jr. expects there to be plenty of chances for him to get open looks.
“If me and Julius can get that chemistry,” Porter Jr. said, “you know, our guys from last year ... I think we'll surprise some people.”
Young also talked about what he hopes will be different for him in Washington.
After spending his first nine NBA seasons as the player defenses focused on most, Young said he is looking forward to playing alongside another player who can attract that same level of attention.
That led Porter Jr. to point out another potential change in Young's game. The Nets forward noted that Young has not often had the chance to consistently play off the ball, run through screens and get catch-and-shoot opportunities.
The two also spent some time talking about shooting and what it actually takes to become a great three-point shooter.
Young discussed the work he has put in on his range, including training with Stephen Curry. He stressed that becoming a deep shooter is not something a player can simply pick up overnight. It takes years of repetition and putting in the work.
Of course, the conversation wasn't all basketball.
Porter Jr. and Young talked about NBA trash talk, foul drawing, villains around the league and the mental side of playing against some of the best players in the world.
Toward the end, the conversation became more personal.
Young called Porter Jr. one of his best friends and praised him for being genuine and selfless. Porter Jr. also remembered the support Young gave him during difficult moments in his career.
They have known each other since they were kids chasing the same dream, and now they are entering very different stages of their NBA careers.
Porter Jr. is heading into another season with the Nets, looking to build off his breakout year in Brooklyn, while Young is starting over in Washington.
The two may be taking different paths now, but their friendship has stayed the same.
