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Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. undergoes back surgery

In this June 22, 2018, file photo, Michael Porter Jr., the Denver Nuggets first-round pick in the NBA Draft, jokes with reporters as one of the team’s two, second-round selections, Thomas Welsh, looks on during a news conference to introduce the players to the media, in Denver. Nuggets rookie forward Michael Porter Jr. has undergone back surgery in Dallas and there is no timetable for his return to the court. The team said Thursday, July 19, 2018, the procedure of the lumbar spine was performed by Dr. Andrew Dossett at the Carrell Clinic. (David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
Associated Press

DENVER – Denver Nuggets rookie forward Michael Porter Jr. has undergone back surgery in Dallas and there is no timetable for his return to the court.

The team said Thursday the procedure of the lumbar spine was performed by Dr. Andrew Dossett at the Carrell Clinic.

Porter was taken by Denver with the 14th overall pick in the June draft. He was considered a top-five selection before a back injury that required surgery, limited him to three games at Missouri in 2017-18.

The 6-foot-10 Porter was hampered by back and hip soreness during pre-draft workouts. But the Nuggets felt his talent was work the risk, with Nuggets president of basketball operations Tim Connelly saying at the time: “You have to take a swing at guys like that.”