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The 5 most important Denver Nuggets heading into the 2022-23 NBA season

By Ben Grunert

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 17: Bones Hyland #3 reacts with Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 17: Bones Hyland #3 reacts with Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the second half against the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on December 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. 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. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 26: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during Denver Nuggets Media Day at Ball Arena on September 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – SEPTEMBER 26: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets poses for a portrait during Denver Nuggets Media Day at Ball Arena on September 26, 2022 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Michael Porter Jr.

Michael Porter Jr. played just nine games last year, leaving Jokic with one of his thinnest supporting casts to date. The 24-year-old’s unfortunate injury history continued as back surgery sidelined him for the season last November.

Similar to Murray’s situation, it remains to be seen what version of Porter Jr. we will get. Having dealt with back problems since his high school days, MPJ may need some time to get his basketball feet under him.

In an interview with Harrison Wind, DNVR Sports, DeAndre Jordan pointed out Porter Jr. and Murray as the two players who stood out to him the most during the first two days of training camp:

"“I like Jamal. People kind of forget about a player when they’ve had the whole year off. I think that him being back and being healthy is gonna help our team so much. Another guy is Mike. Mike looks extremely aggressive, and he’s taking shots. He’s hitting tough shots.”"

Porter Jr. is a phenomenal talent, but his health remains a legitimate concern. Picked at No. 14 in the draft four summers ago, the versatile forward has only played 60 games in a season once.

Unsurprisingly, his healthiest season was far and away his best. During his 2020-21 campaign, MPJ averaged 19.0 points per game and 7.3 rebounds per game while nailing a jaw-dropping 44.5 percent of his three-pointers. He also sunk close to 80 percent of his free throws and shot 54.2 percent from the field overall.

A true three-level scorer, MPJ can beat defenders any way he likes. Whether he is taking his man off the dribble or launching jumpers from beyond the arc, the 6-foot-10 hooper can dice up just about anyone.

In the 2020-21 season, Porter Jr. supported his three-point mastery with an above-average 48.3 percent clip from the mid-range area and a 77.5 percent conversion of his shots in the restricted area.

Armed with a beautiful shooting stroke (arguably the best of any player his height), Porter Jr. clearly possesses the versatility, size, and skill to attack the rim with great success while shooting the lights out.

He just needs to stay healthy in order for the Denver Nuggets to take full advantage of his presence.

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