Former Raptors Player Jontay Porter Posts Triple-Double in USBL Debut After NBA Ban

Porter, who was banned from the NBA for gambling violations, makes a comeback in the United States Basketball League.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Jontay Porter, the former Toronto Raptors player who was banned from the NBA for his involvement in a betting scandal, made his debut in the United States Basketball League (USBL) on Saturday. Porter recorded a triple-double with 21 points, 14 assists, and 14 rebounds to lead the Seattle SuperHawks to a 111-68 victory over the Lilac City Legends. Porter was banned from the NBA in 2024 after pleading guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud as part of the betting scheme.

Why it matters

Porter's return to professional basketball after his NBA ban highlights the USBL's willingness to give him a second chance, despite the serious nature of his previous gambling violations. The league has expressed support for Porter's efforts to redeem himself through accountability and hard work.

The details

In his USBL debut, Porter showcased his skills with an impressive triple-double performance, scoring 21 points, grabbing 14 rebounds, and dishing out 14 assists. He also added two steals and three blocks to his stat line. Porter pleaded guilty in 2024 to helping a group of bettors profit from his game manipulations, leading to a lifetime ban from the NBA. The USBL has decided to give Porter a second chance, believing he has shown genuine remorse and a strong commitment to growth.

  • Porter was banned from the NBA in April 2024 following an investigation.
  • Porter pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit wire fraud in July 2024.
  • Porter's USBL debut and triple-double performance took place on Saturday, March 9, 2026.

The players

Jontay Porter

A former Toronto Raptors player who was banned from the NBA in 2024 for his involvement in a betting scandal. He has now joined the Seattle SuperHawks in the United States Basketball League (USBL) and recorded a triple-double in his debut game.

Seattle SuperHawks

The professional basketball team that Jontay Porter is now playing for in the USBL, after being given a second chance by the league.

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What they’re saying

“He made a mistake in his life, and now we're past that. We're not going to think about that anymore. This is a great talent here. A great basketball player, and we're going to change him. I'll mentor him a lot.”

— Gary Payton, SuperHawks Associate Head Coach (The Associated Press)

What’s next

The USBL and the Seattle SuperHawks will continue to support Jontay Porter's comeback efforts, providing him with mentorship and guidance as he looks to redeem himself and return to professional basketball.

The takeaway

Jontay Porter's return to professional basketball after a lifetime ban from the NBA for gambling violations highlights the USBL's willingness to give second chances and the potential for redemption through accountability and hard work. This case underscores the complexities of sports betting scandals and the challenges faced by athletes seeking to rebuild their careers after such transgressions.