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Michael Porter Jr.’s return would resemble a new addition to the Denver Nuggets

By Tim D'Elia

TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images)
TARRYTOWN, NY - AUGUST 12: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during the 2018 NBA Rookie Photo Shoot on August 12, 2018 at the Madison Square Garden Training Facility in Tarrytown, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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All Nuggets fans know the backstory. Michael Porter Jr. has yet to feature for the Nuggets this season, but that could be set to change.

Rumors are flying that Michael Porter Jr. could be suiting up for the Denver Nuggets very soon. Chris Dempsey, who is close to the team, quoted Mike Malone as saying “we will have a full team after the All-Star break”.

Combine this with all the evidence on twitter of Porter Jr’s warm up routines and shoot arounds, it makes for very exciting news for Nuggets fans.

This little gem from Bleacher Report highlights Porter’s athleticism and dunking ability. For someone with back issues, it’s heartwarming to see that power and athleticism coming back.

Back injuries can have a serious effect on a shooting stroke, as we can see from Toronto’s Kyle Lowry this year, who is shooting under 40% over the last 2 months whilst dealing with back tightness. However, Porter Jr has said he is pain-free, and watching his pretty shooting stroke I personally can’t wait to have him back on the court.

Since Porter Jr. has yet to play a game, his return would effectively be a new addition to this Nuggets team, and a very useful one. Denver has struggled to nail down a starting small forward this season. Will Barton missed half the season with injury, and then his replacements in Torrey Craig and Juancho Hernangomez could never lock down the starting spot. Porter Jr. could be the one to make that starting spot his own.

The biggest issue for the Nuggets is defensively, Denver cannot defend the pick and roll effectively at the small forward position. Porter Jr. is listed at 6″10 and is super athletic. If he puts his mind to locking down someone defensively then he can definitely do it. If we look at the Nuggets’ playoff matchups, there is a real possibility the Nuggets must defend one of LeBron James, DeMar DeRozan, or Danilo Gallinari in the first round of playoffs. These guys are all tough matchups, especially James, so it is imperative Denver has a fantastic defender at the small forward position for the playoffs.

Do you think Michael Porter Jr could be the final piece of Denver’s puzzle?

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