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Just two weeks after the Denver Nuggets were eliminated from the playoffs, Michael Porter Jr. was already looking to get back into the gym. So, the 22-year-old returned to Missouri and got some work in on-campus with his brother, Jontay.
Of course, Porter was limited to just three games with the Tigers during the 2017-18 season after undergoing season-ending back surgery. He missed his entire first year with the Nuggets but managed to turn in a strong campaign this season.
Porter became a key player for the Nuggets during the postseason, averaging 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds in 19 games while he shot 38.2% from 3-point range. He showed off his scoring ability on multiple occasions and offered a glimpse of his potential.
On Wednesday, Tigers head coach Cuonzo Martin spoke with reporters following the first practice of the season and talked very highly of Porter. Martin praised his commitment to the game of basketball and ability on the offensive end of the floor.
He came in last Thursday or Friday, worked out with Jontay. He’s like, ‘Coach, are the guys working out?’ He wanted to play some 5-on-5. I’m like, ‘Man, you just left the bubble!’ That’s what’s in him; he just loves to play basketball.
It’s a shame for Mizzou fans that didn’t get a chance to see the way he scores the ball at a high level. Think about it, that man is scoring at the NBA level at a high clip. It’s just a matter of time once he figures out what Denver wants from him, playing on both ends of the floor. He’s a guy that can really score the ball and he’s a threat to score every time down, that’s what makes him dangerous.
Martin, who was hired at Missouri in March 2017, only coached Porter for three games but saw him firsthand throughout the summer leading up to the 2017-18 season. Porter arrived on campus as the top-ranked prospect in the country and was poised for a big season before his injury.
Porter told reporters following the Nuggets’ exit in the playoffs that this offseason is the first in a few years that he is completely healthy. He said he is looking forward to improving over the next few months in order to be ready for next season.
He had an encouraging first year in the NBA and his addition finally appears to be paying off for the Nuggets. Porter, should he stay healthy, appears to have a bright future ahead and the Nuggets should be fun to watch with him, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic in the fold.
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