Controversial former Houston Rockets point guard finds new home

Some subjects are sensitive. They deserve to be handled with care.

Meanwhile, the media has responsibilities. We're supposed to report the news. Let's not beat around the bush anymore:

Former Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. is signing a two-year deal with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Controversial former Houston Rockets guard finds new home

Let's talk about the basketball component of this story first.

In 2022-23, Porter Jr. averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 assists, and 5.3 rebounds per game with a 56.5% True Shooting % (TS%) for the Rockets.

This move makes sense. It seems like Westbrook will be leaving the Clippers in free agency. The Clippers will miss his playmaking. As a far superior shooter, Porter Jr. has the chance to scale down from a primary playmaking role, while taking over those duties on a part-time basis.

That said, basketball has never been an issue for Porter Jr.

Houston Rockets had problems with Porter Jr.

Now, we'll get to the elephant in the room.

Last year, Porter Jr. was charged with felony assault and strangulation.

For what it's worth - and it's worth something - Kysre Gondrezick is "adamant" that Porter Jr. did not strike her. Who's opinion ought to matter more than hers?

Out of respect for Gondrezick, we won't go further than that on the issue of Porter Jr.'s recent legal troubles. We will add that Porter Jr. left a game and halftime and allegedly broke a DJ's laptop.

The broader point? He's long been, at best, a complicated person. The Clippers are getting a good player here. Are they getting a good person?

It's a sensitive subject.