The Denver Nuggets traded Michael Porter Jr. in a surprise offseason deal, and it happened at exactly the right time if his season debut tells the entire tale. Fans saw plenty of questionable behavior from MPJ this offseason, but he helped the Nuggets win a championship. Denver needed to trade his massive contract to improve their depth, and the pitfalls of having Porter Jr. as a top option were on full display in the Nets opener.
MPJ started hot, but it quickly turned disastrous. He finished with 12 points, four rebounds, and five assists in 25 minutes. The 6’10 forward made just five of his 15 field goal attempts and missed both of his free throws. The Nets were outscored by 19 points with Porter Jr. on the floor and were blown out by the rebuilding Hornets. Talk about a disastrous first night in his new uniform.
The MPJ trade opened the door for the Nuggets to get Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Jonas Valanciunas, and Tim Hardaway Jr. Denver needed depth, and had MPJ holding them back. He is an elite shooter, but struggles on defense and is a questionable playmaker. He is now the Nets' problem.
Nuggets were proven right for letting Michael Porter Jr. go at exactly the right time
Porter Jr. averaged 18.2 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 33.7 minutes per game in his final season with the Nuggets. He shot over 50 percent from the field and 39 percent on his 3-point attempts, but his playoff shoulder injury ultimately crushed the Nuggets' title hopes. MPJ should be in his prime, but it was time for Denver to move on.
The 6’10 forward will find life much more difficult without Nikola Jokic feeding him open looks. He shot just 33.3 percent from the field in the opener and made only two of his seven 3-point attempts. It was a rough night, but things won’t get any easier. Teams will sell out to stop MPJ as the Nets' number one option.
The Nuggets' title chances amped up with more depth. Johnson’s improved defense also boosts their profile. The Joker always gives Denver a chance, but this trade raised their odds. The Nuggets should be considered the second favorites behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder. That wouldn’t have been the case with Porter Jr. still on their roster.
The 27-year-old is in his seventh NBA season. Fans know what he is at this point. Expect MPJ’s efficiency to take a hit in Brooklyn as the Nets race to the bottom of the standings. It will be a rough year for Porter Jr. and the Nets. That will be made even more painful for MPJ as he has to watch the Nuggets thrive in his absence.
The Denver Nuggets gave it multiple shots with Michael Porter Jr., but picked the perfect time to move on. They needed a fresh look and went for it. Credit to the new front office in the Mile High City. They absolutely nailed this one.