Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. is officially listed at 6-foot-6, but he acknowledged how much his hair adds to his height.
As the Houston Rockets continue a rebuild, Kevin Porter Jr. has become a key piece of the equation. After a rough one-plus season run with the Cleveland Cavaliers, much if not all of it self-inflicted, the 30th overall pick in the 2019 draft averaged 16.6 points, 6.3 assists and 3.8 rebounds per game over 26 games for the Rockets last season after being traded. A 50-point game against the Milwaukee Bucks was the highlight.
During Monday’s media day, Porter pointed to how joining the Rockets possibly saved his life.
“This organization saved my life, potentially,” Porter Jr., said at the team’s media day on Monday. “I just love being here and I want to be here for a while. I needed a new scenery and they picked me up when I was down.”
“They gave me love and confidence in myself, and motivation to become a better player and person,” Porter Jr., said. “They’ve invested a lot in me, and I try to give them my all to repay them in some way.”
Part of media day festivities includes photos and official measurements. Porter came in at 6-foot-6 inches tall, as expected. But he also put a precise measurement on something that makes him appear taller.
Kevin Porter Jr. confirms how much his hair adds to his height
Porter’s comment easily brings back memories of a scene from Fletch, the 1985 film starring Chevy Chase. Fletch is dreaming about playing for the Lakers (check out Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Chick Hearn), with the comment during highlights, “he’s actually 6-5, 6-9 with the afro.”
At 21 years old, it wouldn’t be unprecedented if Porter had a late growth spurt that pushed him taller than 6-foot-6. The Rockets have him tabbed as their starting point guard, as John Wall’s exit is being plotted, and as long as he continues on a strong development track how tall he is will be a minor point tinged with humor based on the height of his hair.