Offseason improvements for Michael Porter Jr. to make

Intangible improvements

MPJ has already proven himself to be confident and dedicated to being the best player he can possibly be. He’s also shown a willingness to learn and be coached, as well as to be supportive of the team when he’s not getting his way.

Although his comments after Game 4 of the Western Conference semifinals seemed to some to be evidence of an ego issue, they were definitely comments that broke an unspoken rule about what can be said to the media.

Considering his age and the free-thinking, outspoken nature he displays when talking about certain social matters, he’s much like a Kyrie Irving in that way. Asa result, those comments — which weren’t wrong in content but delivery — can be interpreted as a youthful mistake.

However, moving forward, Porter will need to show that he can be another leader for the team — if not by words, then by action. Being the first player in the gym and the last one out, never complaining to the media about his role and showing how devoted he is to the team’s championship hopes will do just the trick.

On the court, nobody should expect for Porter to throw his body around for loose balls or to try take charges like he’s Marcus Smart. Not because he doesn’t have the mental makeup for it but because after two back surgeries, the way Porter plays suggests a player who doesn’t want to risk landing the wrong way.

What MPJ can do though is always be dialed-in on both ends.