3 Denver Nuggets who could be first-time All-Stars in 2023

2) Michael Porter Jr.

When Michael Porter Jr. signed his five-year $207 million contract extension with the Denver Nuggets at the start of the 2021-22 season, fans were ecstatic and optimistic, to say the least. He’s 6’10”, 24-years-old and was coming off an exceptional sophomore year at the time, in which he averaged over 19 points and 7 rebounds per game on 54 percent from the field and 45 percent from deep.

Unfortunately, the former lottery pick was held to just nine games last year after having to undergo the third back surgery of his young career. Resulting in MPJ having to miss the remainder of the regular season, leaving his future as the next generational NBA superstar in question.

That being said, the hype surrounding Michael Porter Jr. has been mounting over the last several weeks. Whether it be his private workout videos getting posted to Twitter or him boasting about the season to come on the Ball Don’t Stop podcast. Expectations for both Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets are sky-high at the moment, as they should be.

In 2020-21, Porter held the third-highest three-point percentage (44.5) among NBA players shooting over six attempts per game. He also became the first player in league history to average over 15 points, 5 rebounds and 50 percent from the field during his second season.

It’s no secret that he’s been suffering from back injuries dating back to his freshman year of college and has yet to play a full NBA season, both of which are certainly worrisome. Although, his lethal scoring ability and potential as a 6’10” do-it-all forward is what sets him apart and makes him a key piece to the Denver Nuggets young core.

If Denver can live up the hype next season, and surpass 50 wins, I suspect MPJ will play a big role in this team’s success. Assuming the reports are accurate that he’s taken his game to the next level, we could be in for a true breakout campaign in 2022-23 for the young Missouri product.

All he needs to do is maintain his efficient shooting and score between 20 and 25 points per night and there’s no reason why he too can’t clinch his first-ever NBA All-Star Game appearance.