After spending six seasons with the Denver Nuggets alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. has since moved on to the Brooklyn Nets, where he has established himself as the main man for a franchise looking to ascend in the Eastern Conference.
Averaging 24.2 points, 7.1 rebounds and 3.3 assists per game, the sweet-shooting 6'10" forward has put on display the depth of his skills, something he wasn't able to do over at the Mile High City.
Another thing Porter Jr. has become known for is his wit and candor when speaking to the media, as evidenced by his recent comments on a wide range of topics. From sharing that he used to split the rent with an ex-girlfriend to why NBA athletes should not tip 20 percent , he has been on a roll this season.
In fact, Porter Jr. had been so eager to share his thoughts that the Nets actually had to ask him to tone it down to keep himself from getting into hot water. Recently, though, he touched on another sensitive topic, concluding that parents must not allow their kids to attend sleepovers.
Appearing on "The Emily Austin Show," where he spoke on various subjects such as the LeBron James versus Michael Jordan debate, the moon landing, and even the controversial Jeffrey Epstein files, Porter Jr. gave his take on the sensitive topic of pedophilia, explaining why parents must not allow their children to attend sleepovers.
While sleepovers are a time-honored tradition for children, he believes that parents must be cautious, arguing that they cannot fully trust the people in the house where their child will be staying overnight.
"Just because you know someone doesn't mean you know exactly who they are. Statistically, we all probably do know a pedophile," he remarked . "There's odds — statistically — that all of us walking around know someone who has done some stuff."
Curious to discover the actual statistic, Austin did some quick research and said the number is staggering: one in six men. This hammered Porter Jr.'s point home even more.
"Listen, they say statistically if you let your child go spend the night at someone's house as a ki d , the stats that something sexual is going to happen to them at that sleepover is overwhelming ," he said.
Austin probably referenced a study done by UNSW Sydney and Jesuit Social Services from 2023, in which one in six (or 15.1 percent) Australian men aged over 18 said they had sexual feelings for a child or teen younger than 18.
Reliable data on how many men in the United States are actually pedophiles isn't available. Estimates vary widely, and most research focuses on self-reported sexual attraction rather than criminal behavior. Studies suggest that roughly 1–5 percent of adult men may have pedophilic tendencies, but exact numbers are impossible to confirm due to underreporting, stigma and differences between attraction and offending.
Austin, however, did share her experience as a young child who never had a sleepover.
"Michael, do you know my mom never let me have a sleepover because she said, 'I don't trust the father or the brother or this,'" she stated.
"You should never let your kid have a sleepover," the Nets forward responded.
Porter Jr. has clearly shown a different side to his personality since his move to Brooklyn. Not only has he shown a lot more confidence on the hardwood, but he's also grown more comfortable expressing his opinions and being vocal about issues that are important to him — all while thriving on the court.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Apr 3, 2026, where it first appeared in the Off The Court section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
