Michael Porter Jr. has endured a challenging week, marked by distressing events involving his family. One of his brothers received a six-year jail sentence, while another brother was permanently banned from the NBA due to a gambling scandal.

Despite these difficulties, Porter Jr. remains focused on his goal of winning a championship with the Nuggets. However, the day before the opening game of Denver’s first-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, he had to testify in court on behalf of his brother Coban.

Coban was sentenced to six years in prison after pleading guilty to DUI charges that resulted in a fatal accident, causing severe injuries to a passenger.

Just two days prior to this, another of Porter’s younger brothers, Jontay Porter, received a lifetime ban from the NBA for violating the league’s gambling regulations.

Reflecting on these challenges, Porter Jr. expressed his efforts to compartmentalize and remain focused on his responsibilities. He acknowledged the support of his teammates, describing them as his extended family, and emphasized his commitment to performing at a high level despite the personal difficulties he’s facing.

Porter Jr. shared that his teammates sent supportive text messages, assuring him that they were there for him if he needed anything.

“It’s been significant for me to have these guys understand the reasons behind my absence from practice yesterday and to have their support,” he expressed.

Despite the distractions, Porter Jr. managed to focus on the Nuggets’ victory on Saturday, contributing 19 points and eight rebounds.

Teammate Nikola Jokic expressed hope that Porter Jr. would find peace and be in a good mental state amidst the challenges he’s facing.