Denver Nuggets star seen in walking boot at training camp: Report

Denver Nuggets training camp has not been a safe place for ankles. Earlier this week, second-year guard Peyton Watson was seen limping with ice on his left ankle. Now, one of Denver’s stars, Michael Porter Jr., joins Watson with and injury of his own.

According to DNVR’s Harrison Wind, Porter Jr. was seen with a walking boot on his left foot after spraining his ankle at Wednesday’s practice.

“Porter Jr. had a walking boot on his left foot as he left the gym today,” Wind reported on X. “He sprained his ankle during practice and it swelled up, I’m told. Nothing too concerning.”

Fortunately, head coach Michael Malone assured the media that the injury isn’t concerning.

Michael Porter Jr. is key to the Denver Nuggets’ success

Porter Jr.’s health is something that may be a bit of an X-factor for the Nuggets. Denver is already pretty thin at the wing spot — even with him healthy — if their No. 1 has to miss any significant amount of time, his absence could be glaring.

The length, size, and shooting that he brings to their starting group is tough to replace, especially after the departures of Jeff Green and Bruce Brown this summer.

Last year, Porter Jr. averaged 17.4 points and 5.5 rebounds per game across 62 appearances. He was efficient in his scoring as well, knocking down 48.7% of his attempts overall and 41.4% of those from beyond the arc.

Porter Jr. is entering the second season of a five-year, $180 million contract extension. When he inked the deal, many were concerned with his vast injury history and if he’d be able to actually be able to be on the court while earning such a big payday.

In five seasons as a pro, the 25-year-old has appeared in just 187 total games. He missed the entire 2018-19 season due to back surgery, then played just nine games in the 2020-21 season.