Impact of Michael Porter Jr.’s Leap on the Nuggets, Plus Props

The one thing the rest of the NBA didn't need was for Michael Porter Jr. to make a leap.

The Denver Nuggets are the reigning NBA champions with the reigning Finals MVP, a two-time MVP, and nearly-universally (shoutout ESPN!) acknowledged best player on the planet, Nikola Jokic.

Their second-best player is Jamal Murray, who averaged 30 points on 50-40-90 shooting splits in a sweep of LeBron James. Their third-best player is Aaron Gordon, who is an elite wing defender who can handle and pass, plays beautifully next to Jokic, and ably defended Karl-Anthony Towns, then Kevin Durant, then LeBron James, then Jimmy Butler in last year's championship run.

The Nuggets are 6-1 with the 2nd-best offense league-wide (Boston) and the 10th-best defense this season.

MPJ was vital to Denver's title run last year as a spot-up shooter and rebounder. He was not effectively targeted in pick-and-roll defensive actions like in the 2021 Nuggets postseason vs. the Suns. He struggled to shoot in the Finals but still averaged 13 and 8 on 35% from 3 in the playoffs.

Porter had his first offseason when he could work on his game in three years this summer following another back surgery in 2021. He's returned with better handle and instincts. Defensively, he's not just a net neutral, he's a strength, as the Mavericks found out on Friday in their In-Season Tournament loss in Denver.

The most impressive thing in these clips is that Porter gives ground to Doncic without ceding the looks that Doncic wants to get to. Many defenders try to take space away from star ballhandlers, but Doncic thrives on that by leaning in and drawing fouls with flails. Doncic is the rare combination of one of the strongest ballhandlers in the league and one of the best floppers.

But Porter gives ground to prevent Doncic from leaning into Porter's body while still having the length at 6-10 with a 7-0 wingspan to deter Doncic on shot attempts. Porter also shows his hands constantly. You'll often see elite defenders struggle with not fouling Doncic because they want to challenge his handle to keep him away from his spots, but Porter doesn't get suckered in and just relies on his size to frustrate Doncic.

Porter went through a shooting slump early this season, shooting 31% from 3-point range in the first five games. He suffered an ankle injury that cost him the preseason and has said since he's still only about 70% on it.

But he broke out in the two-game home back-to-back set Friday and Saturday, shooting 9-of-18 from 3 and scoring 27 points vs. Chicago after Jamal Murray left the game with a hamstring strain.

Porter's also becoming a smarter player and more in tune with how the Nuggets play. This, and his defense, began last year, and there were real tangible signs of his willingness and understanding of making the extra pass and quick reads that define Denver's play style.

This is a simple play and a great cut by Collin Gillespie, but also a play where MPJ would have fired a transition contested three two years ago:

Jamal Murray will miss time this week with a hamstring strain (Denver has not announced an expected absence). When Murray has not played in games, MPJ has over the past four seasons, MPJ has averaged 23 points per 36 minutes. He's only hit his over on 17.5 points listed for Monday's game vs. the Pelicans in five of the last ten games without Murray, but he's hit his over on 3.5 3-pointers made in five of the last eight games without Murray.

Without Murray, Porter accumulates some of the absent usage. Jokic looks for him more often. The defense focuses on him more, but his ability to make contested shots compensates for it. And his defensive improvement means he won't face Michael Malone's quick hook as often.

Porter came into the league with questions about his health first, then his basketball IQ and team-play acumen. He's answered both of them in helping lead the Nuggets to their first franchise title, sacrificing as much as any player on last year's title squad. This season, he looks like a better player, and better players get more chances and more production in the Nuggets offense.

Porter was already a deadly spot-up weapon for the Nuggets. If he evolves into an even more complete player, Denver will only get that much better.

And the climb for the rest of the West to catch them will only get steeper.