What could be one’s biggest NBA dream? Undoubtedly, it would be the opportunity to breathe the Championship air and lift the Larry O’Brien trophy. And in some cases, it’s an absolutely far-fetched dream. Especially for a player who has gone through a career-altering injury deep in his NBA journey. Generally, the franchises avoid risking injury-prone players, but the Warriors vested their golden trust in the veteran and helped him achieve something that many just can’t.

We’re talking about Otto Porter Jr., who played a vital role in helping the Dubs win a Championship after two years of complete mayhem. After the 2019 Finals, they completely went down the drain, struggling to stay relevant. And, the 2021-22 season had high expectations owing to Klay Thompson‘s return. However, it wasn’t just the Splash Brother who came off a devastating injury. Porter Jr. sustained a season-ending knee issue with the Magic in the previous season, leaving him in free agency after just playing 3 games.

Despite the uncertainty, the Dubs signed a one-year deal with the veteran, who had then spent 8 seasons in the NBA. Speaking of it, in a recent interview with Jefe Island, Otto Porter Jr. said, “I was a free agent. I (was) actually coming off another foot kind of injury, trying to figure that out. And I went there, and they got me right. I was able to go there a month before the season, put in extra work with those guys and they was able to help me with that year.”

And, ultimately, Steph Curry & Co. helped him realize his dream, fighting against all odds and winning the 2022 Championship. After the two-year slump, no one counted on the fallen Dubs team. Addressing it, Otto Porter added, “Nobody had us winning that year. So, we kind of just snuck up on everybody and was like, ‘We on a mission to get back to the top’. So, it was actually pretty cool to be part of history, especially with that dynasty over there.”

Winning a Championship sprung Otto Porter Jr. back into the limelight, however, his fitness was never in his favor.

Otto Porter Jr. bid adieu after the Warriors allowed him to meet the standards he set for himself

After winning the 2022 NBA Championship, Otto Porter Jr. again struggled to keep himself healthy to continue playing in the league. Even during the same postseason, the veteran suffered a left foot injury, keeping him away from the Western Conference Finals. However, he managed to return to the Finals and ended the series, averaging 5.2 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.

Following that season, the Toronto Raptors roped him in for a two-year contract. Unfortunately, he couldn’t play more than a combined 23 games in the two seasons, forcing the team to trade to the Utah Jazz. And, he ultimately ended his career without playing a game for them. In March 2024, the 31-year-old veteran announced his retirement with an emotional message.

Porter Jr. said, “For the past 11 years, I had the chance to live my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA…That dream was capped by winning an NBA Championship! Unfortunately, my body is not allowing me to play at the level that I expect of myself, and I have therefore decided to retire.” 

Truly, an inspiring story and an eye-opener to players who blame their lack of success on being injured.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.