Michael Porter Jr. is a name that’s been buzzing around NBA circles for years, a player with a profile so intriguing that even casual fans know the potential is there. The Denver Nuggets forward has battled through injuries, fought for his spot, and shown flashes of brilliance. His journey through the NBA has been anything but smooth, but that’s what makes his story worth telling. In this article, we’re diving deep into Michael Porter Jr’s career, his NBA highlights, the stats that tell his tale, and of course, the injuries that continue to haunt his progress. Whether you’re a die-hard Nuggets fan or you just stumbled upon this piece after a game night binge, stick with me—I’ll break it all down.
How Michael Porter Jr Made His Mark
Porter Jr. was born into basketball. Seriously. His father, Michael Porter Sr., coached basketball at the University of Missouri, and his mom, Lisa, played volleyball. Growing up in Columbia, Missouri, the basketball court was just as much a part of life as the kitchen table. I mean, if basketball was a religion, then Michael Porter Jr. was practically born with a basketball in his hand. By the time he hit high school, the world knew he was something special.
Porter lit up the courts at Nathan Hale High School in Seattle, Washington, leading them to an undefeated state championship. But it wasn’t just the wins that made him stand out. His smooth jumper, insane athleticism, and insane wingspan turned heads, making him one of the top-ranked high school players in the country. To put it bluntly, Porter wasn’t just good—he was NBA-level good. That’s no surprise, considering he was built for this moment.
I remember seeing his highlights—he could shoot the three, pull up for mid-range, and finish with dunks that were so clean they looked scripted. It wasn’t a question of “Could he play in the NBA?” It was “Which team is he going to join?”
But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. This is where things got a little…complicated. The back issues. Yeah, that was the dark cloud hanging over his whole recruitment process.
The College Debut and the Injury That Changed Everything
Porter committed to the University of Missouri for college basketball, but what was supposed to be a major breakout season turned into a bit of a nightmare. He had back surgery just three games into his freshman year. Yikes. After putting up 22 points and 7 rebounds in those three games, we were all ready for him to take over college hoops. And then, nothing.
Fast-forward to the NBA Draft, and it’s like watching a rollercoaster ride. Despite the injury concerns, Porter was selected by the Denver Nuggets with the 14th pick of the 2018 NBA Draft. Now, I can’t speak for the Nuggets, but they must have felt like they’d hit the lottery. A 6’10” forward with a crazy shooting touch and the ability to rebound, play in transition, and, oh yeah, score at will. So why wasn’t he picked sooner? The back.
You know how people say, “It’s a risk, but it’s worth it”? That’s exactly what the Nuggets were thinking when they made the pick. But they were rolling the dice.
Michael Porter Jr: NBA Highlights and His Scoring Prowess
The Nugget’s New Golden Child
When Porter finally made his debut in the 2019-2020 season, the hype was real. He’d spent the year rehabbing, and we were all wondering: “Is this guy still the same player we saw in college?” Spoiler alert: He was, and maybe even better.
Fast forward past three failed attempts to stop him, and we got to see just how dangerous Michael Porter Jr. could be on the floor. From his debut game to key moments in the 2020-2021 season, Porter’s scoring ability just seemed to explode. The man had no problem shooting from anywhere on the court, especially from deep. And by deep, I mean really deep. His three-point shooting percentage, especially during that 2020-2021 season, was out of this world (44.5%). At times, I’d swear he was shooting from the locker room.
But wait, it wasn’t just the deep threes. Porter had this uncanny knack for scoring off the dribble, and if you didn’t guard him tight, he’d float to the rim for an easy dunk. His athleticism made it look too easy. My buddy Carl, a die-hard Nuggets fan, still won’t stop talking about Porter’s 26-point performance in Game 2 against the Phoenix Suns during the 2021 playoffs. And trust me, Carl does not let go of these things.
The Mid-Range Game
That mid-range game? Oof. Don’t even get me started. There’s a point in the game where you know a player has hit a zone where their rhythm is almost unstoppable. That was Porter during his best games. Whether he was pulling up from 15 feet, floating over defenders with a silky smooth jump shot, or just being a nightmare in transition, his scoring was almost guaranteed.
I remember one particular game—Can’t recall the date, but it was a game against the Lakers (I think it was 2021?). My jaw nearly hit the floor watching him sink contested shots like they were layups. The Nuggets’ offense turned into an unstoppable train with Porter hitting shots from every direction.
Rebounding: Who Knew?
Look, everyone talks about scoring, but what I didn’t see coming was Porter’s rebounding. He isn’t exactly a “tank” on the boards, but he knows where to be. It’s like he’s always in the right place at the right time. During his breakout 2020-2021 season, he averaged 7.3 rebounds per game, which is impressive considering he wasn’t even known for his rebounding when he was drafted. But that’s Porter for you—always surprising.
Yeah, I still remember my neighbor Steve—who also happens to be the world’s biggest basketball know-it-all—shouting, “See? He’s more than just a shooter!” when Porter grabbed a rebound in a 2021 game against the Mavericks. It’s safe to say that Steve has become a Porter believer, too.
Stats: The Numbers Behind the Hype
Alright, let’s get into the nitty-gritty of the numbers. Here’s how Porter stacked up during a few key seasons:
2020-2021 Season
- Games Played: 61
- Minutes Per Game: 32.5
- Points Per Game: 19.0
- Rebounds Per Game: 7.3
- Assists Per Game: 1.1
- Field Goal Percentage: 54.2%
- Three-Point Percentage: 44.5%
Those are insane numbers for someone who was still seen as a risk due to his back issues. But when he was on the court, Porter was downright dangerous. He was a key piece of the Nuggets’ offensive scheme and gave them the extra punch they needed in tight games.
2021-2022 Season
- Games Played: 9
- Minutes Per Game: 29.9
- Points Per Game: 9.9
- Rebounds Per Game: 6.6
- Assists Per Game: 1.1
- Field Goal Percentage: 42.2%
- Three-Point Percentage: 37.0%
Now, this season? Not so much. After undergoing back surgery in November 2021, Porter was sidelined for the remainder of the season. It was a tough blow for both him and the Nuggets. I remember watching him go down on the court—it was like everyone in Denver collectively held their breath.
It was rough, but things weren’t done yet. The good news? He bounced back.
2022-2023 Season
- Games Played: 65
- Minutes Per Game: 31.2
- Points Per Game: 17.4
- Rebounds Per Game: 5.5
- Assists Per Game: 1.2
- Field Goal Percentage: 47.0%
- Three-Point Percentage: 41.4%
The 2022-2023 season saw Porter return to the court in full swing. His stats were solid, and the Nuggets had a contender on their hands. Not the best numbers ever, but considering where he’d come from with his injury history, they were more than enough.
Injury Updates: Back on the Bench (and Beyond)
Okay, so here’s the kicker: Injuries. Specifically, the back.
Porter’s back issues have been the elephant in the room for years now. The man has had more back surgeries than anyone should ever have, and let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised if he’s secretly the world’s most frequent flyer to the chiropractor.
But on the bright side, after his second surgery in 2021, the Denver medical staff has worked tirelessly with him. He’s taken every precaution, and while his back remains a concern, it hasn’t really slowed him down in recent seasons. Still, fans—myself included—hold their breath whenever he hits the floor.
And the thing is, Porter is always quick to remind us he’s working hard to stay healthy. He’s never backed down from a challenge, and that’s what makes him stand out.
What Does the Future Hold?
Look, I’m not a fortune teller. But if Porter can stay healthy—and that’s a big if—he has a chance to become one of the league’s premier scorers. He already has a solid spot in the Nuggets’ offense, and with players like Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray taking some of the load off him, Porter can continue to grow into a serious threat.
If I were a betting man, I’d say the best is yet to come for Michael Porter Jr. His journey is only halfway written, and I’m here for every chapter.
Final Thoughts
There you have it. Michael Porter Jr’s journey from high school prodigy to NBA star has been one hell of a ride. Injuries have slowed him down, but the potential has always been there. Watching him play, it’s clear that this kid could do some real damage in the league, if his body stays in one piece. Anyway, here’s hoping we get to see him fully unleashed in the coming seasons.
