There is an old saying that has been passed down from generation to generation that goes, “home is where the heart is.” It does not matter if you were birthed or grew up in a different city. Any place that you lay a foundation of love and establish emotional ties is where your heart will be.

Although Houston Rockets point guard Kevin Porter Jr. did not get to Houston, Texas, until January 2021 via trade with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he has fallen in love with the city and fans. Porter Jr. took to social media on Friday and expressed that to his 63.3K followers.

“You gotta kill me to move from Houston,” said Porter who is originally from Seattle Washington.

On Saturday, the Rockets held their annual Fan Fest, and over 3,500 fans attended an open practice from the stands of Toyota Center. Porter received the loudest ovation as he came onto the court, something he seemed to embrace as he made sure to sign autographs and take pictures with the fans screaming his name.

“It is just my home,” Porter said with a smile on his face as he answered questions from the media. “I’m a one stone type a guy, a one place type of guy. I see myself here. I don’t know, the love I got for the city, man, I can’t put a limit on it. They just welcomed me full force, and I feel I can be myself. I can be confident in being the person I am.

“When you can be the person you are, people love you for that. It’s a different feeling. I love Houston for that. I want to do everything I can to give back to them.”

The Rockets put on a display of highlight dunks and dance moves on the court Saturday, and the crowd made sure to express how they felt by being in attendance as they continuously stood, screaming loudly about everything they were witnessing.

“Houston did that for us, it was crazy,” said Porter. “It was a great feeling to feel that energy, to feel that love out loud. It was crazy.”

The Houston Rockets will open their regular season against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday, October 20.