Craig Porter Jr. 'Earned' His Extension With Cavaliers

J.B. Bickerstaff spoke highlight of Craig Porter Jr. after he signed a four-year contract extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Craig Porter Jr. sat and waited for his name to get selected during last year's NBA draft. That never happened and he opted to sign a two-way deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers instead. Now, Porter Jr. has signed a shiny new four-year contract extension with the Cavs after his original deal was converted.

It's been an interesting rookie season for Craig.

He's looked tremendous when he steps on the floor, but that playing time has been inconsistent from game to game. The way Porter Jr. has handled this is just another example of why the Cavaliers were impressed with him.

Dec 23, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers guard Craig Porter (9) brings the ball upcourt against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports / © Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

J.B. Bickerstaff spoke highly of Craig after the singing was official. He made it clear that this is something Porter has earned through his hard work and character.

"Craig is awesome," said Bickerstaff, "It’s one of those things that you know it’s the fun part of the NBA to be a part of helping people's dreams come true, and this was a dream come true for Craig."

"It’s something that he earned to go from an undrafted guy to a two-way player and have your contract converted as quickly just. [It] speaks to one your talent, two your type of personality, and your resiliency to just keep fighting. Whatever obstacles have kind of been put in his way They could deter you very easily, but he refused to allow those things to deter him. In and out of the lineups, that’s not easy to do, but to be able to help us win basketball games when he’s played for us against his maturity, his character, and his skill set."

Porter Jr. is currently averaging 6.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 32 games. He's just an all-around phenomenal player whether that be scoring, passing, or on defense. Craig's skillset is something that'll make him a valuable piece to this team for years to come. 

Will this new deal pave the way for Porter to become a regular member of the rotation?