#Michael Porter Jr.’s coronavirus conspiracy theory forces Nuggets talk

Michael Porter Jr.’s coronavirus conspiracy landed him a meeting with management.

Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly spoke with Porter about his comments, though the team wants to allow him the freedom to speak his mind.

“Obviously, I’m not the thought police,” Nuggets coach Mike Malone told reporters Wednesday. “I’m not going to tell any of our players what they can and can’t say. All I would say is just be sensitive to the current situation in our country and throughout the world in regards to coronavirus.”

In a Snapchat Q-and-A Tuesday night, Porter floated a conspiracy theory about how the coronavirus pandemic has been handled.

“Personally, I think the coronavirus is being used obviously for a bigger agenda,” Porter said. “It’s being used for population control in terms of being able to control the masses of people. The whole world is being controlled.

“You’re required to wear masks. And who knows what will happen when this vaccine comes out. You might have to have the vaccine in order to travel. Like that would be crazy.”

Porter’s claims about population control and a bigger agenda are, of course, unsubstantiated. Still, the team doesn’t want to put a “muzzle” on him.

“Michael Porter and any other player on our roster, they’re entitled to their opinions and ability to have free speech, and I will respect that as long as it doesn’t become a distraction,” Malone said. “What Michael stated, being around our players this morning at breakfast and practice, has not become a distraction at all.”

The No. 14 pick in the 2018 Draft, Porter has broken into the rotation this year after missing all of last season while recovering from back surgery. He is averaging 7.5 points and 4.1 rebounds in 14 minutes a game this year.

Malone’s sentiment extends beyond Porter, covering social justice messages as well.

“If somebody has a strong belief on something, they have the platform and freedom to use that,” Malone said. “We will just try to educate guys so that they understand the impact of what they may be saying.”