The Denver Nuggets flamed out in the second round of the playoffs last season for the second consecutive year, mainly due to their lack of depth, particularly compared to a deep team like the Thunder. Unfortunately, injuries also impacted the series for the Nuggets, with two of their starters playing hurt.
During his first Media Day with the Nets, Porter Jr. discussed Denver's playoff run last season. He said he was "probably" only at "20 percent." MPJ said he could "barely" lift his shoulder. He pointed out that Aaron Gordon was also dealing with an injury, saying that the Nuggets were "debilitated."
It was evident to Denver fans (and anyone watching the game) that all wasn't well for MPJ or AG. Porter sprained his shoulder in Game 2 of the first round series against the Clippers, an injury that would've kept him sidelined if it were the regular season. He struggled to take off his own uniform due to his heavily bandaged shoulder.
Porter's shoulder was an issue for the rest of the postseason, but he still managed to drop 21 points on 7-of-10 shooting in a Game 3 win over the Thunder in the second round. Unfortunately, the injuries continued to pile up for Denver.
So to sum up what Denver was dealing with Game 7 vs OKC: Westbrook was playing with one good hand, Michael Porter Jr was playing with one good shoulder, and Aaron Gordon was playing with one good leg https://t.co/alyGioTQUB
— Katy Winge (@katywinge) May 27, 2025
Michael Porter Jr. says he was at '20 percent' in playoffs last season
It's impressive that MPJ kept playing, even though he wasn't at his best self, or anywhere close to it. It's unfortunate that's how his time with Denver came to a close, as the Nuggets traded him to the Nets at the beginning of the offseason for Cam Johnson.
NBA teams can't control injuries, but they can help ease the pain with the moves they make during the offseason. Denver addressed its need for more depth this summer, reuniting with Bruce Brown, signing Tim Hardaway Jr., and acquiring Jonas Valančiūnas through a trade. As Nikola Jokić said after the Nuggets' season ended, it helps to have a deeper bench.
Brooklyn's goal for next season looks completely different than Denver's, with the Nets amid a rebuild. Porter will be their top option on offense in what will be a season that should end without a top-10 finish in the East. Hopefully, MPJ will be able to stay healthy and will prove that he can be the player he believes he can be.
The same applies to the Nuggets in their quest to win another championship. Please, don't let things end like they did last season.