Does the Brooklyn Nets star express bitterness toward getting passed over for the annual event despite his stellar season?
Michael Porter Jr. appeared ready to land a long-awaited NBA All-Star nod. After all, the 27-year-old is soaring to career highs this season including dropping 25.5 points a night for the Brooklyn Nets.
Except MPJ got passed over in the final all-star voting tabs.
Porter broke his silence about the notable snub Wednesday via Nets insider for ClutchPoints Erik Slater. Even MPJ admitted he was taken aback about the snub.
"I thought I had a chance, for sure," Porter said. "But I knew it was out of my control."
He also admitted that one flaw on the Nets' side likely played a big part in getting passed over.
“I know the record probably plays a part in it, even though there’s guys that are in there that don’t have the most amazing record," Porter said. "I thought there was a chance. I thought it was a toss-up."
Brooklyn sits at a dismal 13-36 overall and took a large beatdown against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. Porter returned to action that night after missing two games due to a death in his family.
Nearly 24 hours after the rough 125-109 loss at Barclays Center, Porter spent the day dealing with being denied an All-Star appearance at the Intuit Dome in Inglewood during Valentine's Day weekend.
Porter, though, isn't attempting to take the low road here.
"It is what it is…" Porter acknowledged. "That was a tough day, because I thought there was a chance, but today’s a new day."
He continued to express his positivity.
"I’m still blessed, I’m still highly favored, and I’m excited to be able to do what I do, whether I got the All-Star or not," Porter said.
Porter's snub means not a single member of the Nets will take part in the All-Star game. But will there be no member of Brooklyn heading to L.A. throughout that weekend?
Rookie Egor Demin earned an invite -- as he got named to the Rising Stars game set for Feb. 13 to help kick off NBA All-Star weekend. Demin is the first member of the Nets to take part in the contest since Jarrett Allen and Rodions Kurucs back in 2019.
Porter, Demin and Brooklyn, meanwhile have Wednesday night off and will head to Orlando to face the Magic on Thursday.
Porter, though, is still a name floating around in the NBA Trade market -- with the deadline set for Thursday afternoon.
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