The age-old adage, “Home is where the heart is,” resonates deeply with Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. Though he arrived in Houston in January 2021 through a trade with Cleveland, the 21-year-old has quickly formed a profound connection with the city and its fans.

In a heartfelt Twitter message, Porter conveyed his attachment to Houston, stating, “You gotta kill me to move from Houston.” This declaration spoke to the strong emotional bonds he has formed with the city, even though he originally hails from Seattle.

Throughout the 2021-22 preseason, Porter showcased his skills on the court, averaging 16.3 points while shooting 38.5% from beyond the arc and contributing 4.3 assists per game in 29.0 minutes of play.

During the Rockets’ annual Fan Fest, which attracted over 3,500 fans, Porter received an enthusiastic welcome as he stepped onto the court. He made an effort to connect with the fans, signing autographs and taking pictures with those who cheered him on.

For Porter, Houston has become a true home. He is a person who values a strong sense of belonging to a single place, and he sees Houston as that place. The love and acceptance he has received from the city have made him feel free to be himself and to be confident in expressing his true identity.

Porter emphasized the profound connection he has with the city and expressed his desire to give back to the community that has embraced him. The fans’ energetic support, evident during the preseason, reinforced his affection for Houston.

The Rockets are set to kick off their regular season on October 20th with a game against Minnesota. Porter, fueled by his love for Houston, is undoubtedly looking forward to giving his all on the court for the city that has embraced him so warmly.