Craig Porter Jr. has put himself in strong position to win Cleveland’s backup point guard job, and the early signs have been hard to ignore. With one preseason game left, the fourth-year guard appears to be ahead of Tyrese Proctor and rookie Meleek Thomas for the role.
The biggest reason is simple: Porter has looked like the steadier floor general. In the preseason opener, he posted 10 assists without a turnover, the kind of clean, efficient showing that immediately stands out when a team is looking for someone to organize the second unit.
Cleveland’s bench already has scoring, so what it needs is a passer who can keep the ball moving and put teammates in the right spots. Porter has been doing that.
That has been part of his appeal throughout his first three seasons, even if the production has come in flashes. He’s shown he can deliver the easy stuff and the right read, whether that means lobs or just keeping the offense flowing. Add in his athleticism at 6'2, along with his ability to block shots and finish with the occasional dunk, and he brings a mix that can give Cleveland something different off the bench.
Porter’s mindset also seems to match the moment. He has said his goal is to win this competition for minutes, and Kenny Atkinson has called him a “plug and play in any lineup” player.
That versatility matters. He can fit next to a smaller group or work with a taller one, and Cleveland seems to trust that he can raise the level of whoever is on the floor with him.
The one lingering question has been his jumper. That has been the missing piece over the past few seasons, but early preseason looks suggest he has put work into correcting it.
There is also a business side to all of this. Porter’s contract is not fully guaranteed until January, and his name was mentioned as a trade candidate as recently as September because of the cap situation. That reality gives him even more incentive to make himself essential.
In nine days, the picture will be clear: either Porter is Cleveland’s backup point guard, or he is sitting behind Meleek Thomas and Tyrese Proctor. Right now, the momentum is with Porter.
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Craig Porter Jr., Mario Hezonja and Tyrese Proctor are among the names trying to make a case for themselves in front of coach Kenny Atkinson. For Porter, the challenge is turning this opportunity into a steadier role, while the wing mix is crowded enough that every possession matters, making the final preseason game a meaningful audition rather than just another exhibition. [Read more 🡒]