Nuggets Star Michael Porter Jr. Joins Growing List Of NBA Players Against Covid Mandates

Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is the latest NBA player to speak out publicly against the COVID-19 vaccine. Porter joins notable names like Kyrie Irving, Andrew Wiggins and Bradley Beal on the league's All-Anti Vaccination team. “For me, I don’t feel comfortable," Porter told The Denver Post.

Porter, who earlier this week signed an extension that guarantees him $172 million and could be worth as much as $207 million over five years, told The Post he's uncomfortable with the shot: “For me, I had COVID twice, I saw how my body reacted, and although the chances are slim, with the vaccine, there’s a chance you could have a bad reaction to it,” Porter said. “For me, I don’t feel comfortable."

Though he won't be offering up his own shoulder for a jab, Porter has no issue with those who want to do so. He's part of a growing chorus that believes people should make their own personal choice, rather than be forced into a decision. “My stance on the mandate is it definitely shouldn’t be a mandate. It should be everyone’s decision. I see it both ways," added Porter via The Denver Post. "If you want to get it because you feel more protected and you feel safer and it’s protecting people around you, get it. That’s good for you. But if you feel like, ‘Oh, for me, I don’t feel safe getting it, then don’t get it.’”

Porter, 23, is coming off his best season as a pro. He averaged 19 points and seven rebounds per game in 2020. The points and boards are nice, but his shot selection might his most impressive skill.