5 Denver Nuggets goals before the Playoffs begin
By JT Matthews
3) Don’t be afraid to utilize MPJ
When it is all said and done, what will this season have meant for Michael Porter Jr.? It’s safe to say he has had his clear ups and downs but what he has shown is his ability to take over a game, even for the briefest stints. As a fan I have been frustrated with the lackadaisical deployment of MPJ at times. Malone is an old school guy and isn’t about to give anyone a free pass, and MPJ is no exception.
But when your team is going through a five+ minute stretch and are struggling to put the ball through the net, keeping a talent like MPJ on the bench is borderline negligent. I love each and every player on the Nuggets but when the Monte Morris, Barton, Craig, Grant and Plumlee line comes out, the offense can get a touch lethargic.
MPJ adds instant pop off of the bench unlike any other player on the Nuggets roster. The common debate for keeping him on the bench is that he is not polished on the defensive end, and I cannot disagree with that point. He has not shown the ability to read and react on defense on a pro level, but scoring is such a commodity in postseason games which is something he absolutely can do. In no way am I saying this guy is a playoff starter, but don’t forget you have a that secret switch under the table labelled “MPJ jump starter”.
