Tag: michael porter jr.

Denver Nuggets rookie forward Michael Porter Jr. is reportedly untouchable in potential trade conversations, according to ESPN reporter Adrian Wojnarowski.

Wojnarowski was joined by Zach Lowe on the “Trade Special Show” as players that signed as free agents over the offseason became trade eligible on Sunday, thus unofficially opening the window for activity.

The two reporters addressed several situations across the NBA, including the state of the Nuggets. Wojnarowski believes the Nuggets may not be looking to make wholesale changes prior to the Feb. 6 trade deadline.

The veteran reporter named Malik Beasley as a player to watch after the fourth-year guard opted against signing an extension with the Nuggets. Should the organization find a trade, his exit could open the door for more minutes for Porter, a player the team considers to be off-limits in trade discussions.

Lowe says his favorite fake Jrue Holiday trade is to Denver for Gary Harris, salary filler, and maybe another young player or pick. Woj says Michael Porter Jr. is untouchable.

— Sagar Trika (@BlazersBySagar) December 16, 2019

With Beasley still on the roster, the Nuggets are still trying to find more playing time for Porter. Wojnarowski said that he believes the Nuggets are looking to get Porter an expanded role, something head coach Mike Malone stated last week.

The more he plays — and I’m going to continue to play him — and the more he gets those first and second quarter minutes where it’s not just the end of the game.

After a slow start to the season, Porter is beginning to play more for the Nuggets.

In 11 minutes of action on Sunday, Porter recorded nine points and eight rebounds while he went 4-of-8 from the field. Malone wanted to switch things up after a recent three-game losing streak and Porter benefitted as a result.

The Nuggets took a chance on Porter last year in the NBA Draft and could be on the verge of seeing that risk pay off. Porter has been touted as a player with tremendous upside if he can stay healthy and it shouldn’t be a surprise that Denver wants to hold onto him for the future.

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With the Denver Nuggets looking for a spark, head coach Mike Malone called upon Michael Porter Jr. recently and it could become a regular occurrence moving forward.

Prior to winning on Thursday night, the Nuggets had lost three consecutive games and are still only 2-5 over their last seven games. So, something was needed to get back on track and Malone decided to turn to the 14th overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft.

Porter has played sparingly this season, often only at the end of games in mop-up duty. That changed on Tuesday against the Philadelphia 76ers when Porter checked into the game midway through the first quarter. He logged 14 minutes in total, recording six points and six rebounds in the loss.

On Thursday, Porter once again saw action early in the first half after entering the game in the second quarter. He drained two 3-pointers in the period and helped the Nuggets maintain a sizable lead over the Portland Trail Blazers.

So, so smooth 😎#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/FBqrmFanU2

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) December 13, 2019

Afterward, Malone hinted that Porter could continue to see early minutes.

The more he plays — and I’m going to continue to play him — and the more he gets those first and second quarter minutes where it’s not just the end of the game. … The game is going to slow down for him.

The performance by Porter over his past two games won’t earn him significant nationwide recognition but it could be the start of a solid foundation for the rest of the season. After sitting out all of last season, the Nuggets have been cautious with Porter but it appears as though they are ready to let him go.

Porter has been a highly-touted player through his young basketball career and the Nuggets could see their gamble to draft him in the lottery soon pay off.

Next up for Denver: A home matchup vs. the Thunder.

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