I remember watching Jontay Porter during his brief NBA stint and thinking this kid had something special - that rare combination of size and skill that makes scouts drool. Now, as I track his journey through international basketball, I can't help but wonder if we'll see him back on NBA hardwood. The recent numbers from his time with Meralco in the East Asia Super League tell an interesting story - 7.0 points and 6.7 rebounds per game for the 6-foot-11 naturalized player for Gilas Pilipinas. Those stats might not jump off the page at first glance, but when you consider he's playing just under 24 minutes per contest, the per-36 numbers start to look pretty intriguing.

What really stands out to me is how Porter has reinvented himself overseas. I've followed enough players who bounced between the NBA and international leagues to recognize when someone is building their case for a return. His shooting percentages have been solid - around 48% from the field and 36% from three-point range in the EASL. The rebounding numbers are particularly impressive given he's often playing against smaller, quicker opponents. I recall watching one game where he grabbed 14 rebounds against a physical Korean team, showing that old-school grit that NBA teams still value in big men.

The timing might actually work in Porter's favor when you think about it. The modern NBA game has evolved to value exactly what Porter brings - a stretch big who can rebound and make smart passes. I've noticed his assist numbers creeping up to about 3.2 per game in recent outings, showing his court vision is developing nicely. Teams are always looking for cheap, productive big men who can space the floor, and Porter's international experience might have given him exactly the polish he needed. His defense has shown improvement too - he's averaging nearly a block and a steal per game despite limited minutes.

There's no sugarcoating the challenges though. The NBA moves faster than ever, and Porter's injury history remains a concern for any team considering taking a chance on him. I spoke with a scout friend recently who mentioned that while Porter's talent is undeniable, teams worry about his durability in an 82-game season. Still, we've seen players like Joe Ingles and Aron Baynes carve out successful NBA careers after developing overseas, so the blueprint exists.

What really fascinates me about Porter's current situation is how he's embraced being a naturalized player for the Philippines. That experience of carrying national team expectations - that's pressure you can't replicate in the G League. I've seen players return from international duty with newfound confidence and maturity, and Porter seems to be following that path. His per-game numbers might not blow anyone away, but the efficiency metrics tell a different story - his player efficiency rating sits around 18.7, which would put him in the range of several current NBA rotation players.

The financial aspect can't be ignored either. Porter is likely earning somewhere in the range of $300,000 to $500,000 overseas, which isn't NBA money but provides stability while he continues developing. An NBA minimum contract would represent a significant raise, but he'd have to fight for a roster spot. From what I've gathered talking to people around the league, several teams have kept tabs on him, particularly those looking for affordable frontcourt depth. The Clippers, Nets, and Heat have all shown interest in similar profile players recently.

I'm cautiously optimistic about his chances. The NBA has this funny way of circling back to players who've put in the work overseas. We saw it with Jimmer Fredette, though his return was brief, and more successfully with players like Brandon Jennings after his China stint. Porter's combination of size, shooting, and basketball IQ makes him an intriguing gamble for some team looking to fill out their roster. His 34% three-point shooting in the EASL might not seem spectacular, but it's better than several current NBA big men who are getting regular minutes.

The reality is that Porter's path back likely runs through a 10-day contract or training camp invitation. He'd need to prove he can contribute immediately without demanding touches or specific offensive sets. The good news is that his game has matured - he's taking smarter shots, moving better without the ball, and showing improved defensive awareness. I watched him completely shut down a pick-and-roll sequence recently that showed NBA-level defensive IQ.

At the end of the day, basketball decisions often come down to fit and opportunity. Porter needs the right situation - a team that values skill over pure athleticism and has minutes available in their frontcourt rotation. His experience playing internationally could actually work in his favor, as we've seen the game become more global. Several executives I've spoken with mention they value international experience more than ever before, seeing it as evidence a player can adapt to different systems and styles.

My prediction? We'll see Porter get another NBA look within the next year, likely on a non-guaranteed deal where he can prove himself in training camp or with a 10-day contract. The skills are there, the body appears healthier than it's been in years, and the motivation seems genuine. Sometimes all a player needs is the right opportunity at the right time. Given what I've seen from his development overseas and how his game fits the modern NBA, I'd put the chances of seeing Jontay Porter back in the league at around 65% - not a guarantee, but certainly better odds than many might assume given where his career was just a couple of years ago.