Michael Porter Jr. rose to the occasion for the Denver Nuggets
Michael Porter Jr. gets the job done for the Denver Nuggets in light of his first appearance as a starter since 2017.
Injuries, although costly, can provide softer landing spots for NBA prospects rather than getting injected into a losing situation. Michael Porter Jr. supports this statement as his debut start allows the Denver Nuggets a sigh of relief.
Despite playing a grand total of 3 games at Missouri, the Mcdonald’s All-American star gave off top-five draft energy. Unfortunately, an injury to his back derailed NBA scout’s opinions of the 6’10 potential star. Ultimately, considering the injury woes, dropped to the last pick in the lottery.
Denver, at the time, was one win away from making the postseason before suffering a loss at the hands of Russell Westbrook. The Denver Nuggets won 46 games and yet, still missed the playoffs. The Western Conference once again, showing its unfair nature.
So, as last-minute lottery teams typically do, Denver drafted a prospect deemed a project in Porter Jr. at 14th overall. The Denver Nuggets essentially redshirted Porter Jr. for his rookie season. As such, the rookie soaked up everything he could on the bench.
Michael Porter Jr. granted starting lineup honors
Fast forward to Dec. 29, and its clear Porter Jr. belongs on the Nuggets. Once again, injuries opened up an opportunity. Paul Millsap, dealing with issues to his quad, missed last Sunday’s contest versus the Sacramento Kings. The injury allowed Porter Jr. a spot in the starting lineup.
No matter the case, Porter Jr, in a career-high 26 minutes, recorded 19 points on an efficient 8-10 shooting night. The beauty of his 19-point performance came off as a natural occurrence of the Denver Nuggets offense. At no point did Porter Jr. venture out on a basket-hunting spree.
Four of the eight field goals came off assists with four points via putbacks. Porter Jr, a former star in high school, didn’t allow ego or once-lofty expectations influence his game. Denver beat a struggling Sacramento Kings with much thanks to Porter Jr.’s efficient performance.
Witnessing Porter Jr.s lottery-pick counterparts excel early on in their careers must drive the young forward. Thankfully, for Denver and Porter Jr., both respectively sit in competitive places at this stage of the season.
Although it’s too early envisioning Porter Jr.’s role on the Nuggets once the playoffs commence, it’s apparent there is a spot in the rotation. Combining his athleticism and adequate three-point shooting in light of his 37 percent mark, coach Malone has another weapon on offense.
Room for improvement
Michael Porter Jr., although already useful in the Nuggets offense, needs work in the department of defense.
Athleticism and defense don’t always coincide, contrary to rational thinking. At times, Porter Jr. lost his man on the perimeter, and fortunately, Denver’s team defense made up for his mistakes. Not only did he get beat on the perimeter, but Porter Jr. also deemed a mismatch in the post.
Nemanja Bjelica, typically a three-point threat, easily backed down the 6’10 Porter Jr. for a hook shot in the paint. It’s clear Porter Jr. must improve as a defender if he wants legitimate burn in the playoffs.
You can hide defensive deficiencies for only so long until the opposing team makes it a mission to exploit your weaknesses, especially in the playoffs.
However, for now, at least, Porter Jr. gives the Denver Nuggets another tool to improve upon its middling offense.