Michael Porter Jr.‘s efficiency is one of his strongest traits. He is 26th in career three-point shooting percentage in the history of the NBA and fourth all-time in Denver Nuggets franchise history. His 40.8% from three is among the most elite in the NBA today. The Nuggets drafted him for his upside in 2018, and he fits perfectly with the other starters. His shooting has typically complimented the passing ability of Nikola Jokić very well. He has started the first two games of the season shooting poorly from the field and three. Known for his elite shooting, Porter Jr. must step up his play. With his efficiency currently at a career-low, he needs to get the ball rolling.
The Nuggets Need Michael Porter Jr.’s Efficiency to Improve
Get going With Easy Shots
Porter Jr.’s efficiency has been miserable since starting the season. Through the first two games, he is shooting 30% from the field and 18.8% from three. He is averaging 15 shots per game, but only 12 points per game. After averaging about 17 points per game the last two seasons, Porter Jr. needs to turn the corner. Averaging fewer points than shots per game is rare in the NBA, especially for an elite shooter.
With Jokić being one of the best playmakers in the league, he needs to help Porter Jr. get going. Head coach Michael Malone could also help Porter Jr. by designing plays with easy cuts to the hoop or kick-outs for open threes. Although many of his shots have been open, he hasn’t taken advantage. Once he sees some of his shots drop, he should get back on track to the elite efficiency he has proven before.
One game could flip the script for Porter Jr. With their upcoming opponent being the Toronto Raptors, who were in the bottom ten in both opponents’ points per game and three-point percentage during the 2023-24 season, it’s the perfect opportunity for Porter Jr. to get going. The Nuggets should look to get him involved early and often to help raise his confidence.
Playing Up to His Max Contract
When players impress, teams reward them with a contract worthy of their play. Porter Jr.’s first two seasons playing in the NBA showed off his elite potential. In the 2020-21 season, he averaged 19.0 points per game on 54.2% from the field and 44.5% from three. All of those numbers are career-highs for him. After just two seasons playing actual NBA minutes, the Nuggets rewarded him with a max contract extension, which kicked in during the 2022-23 season. He will make nearly $36 million during the 2024-25 season, the same amount as Oklahoma City Thunder superstar, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
Porter Jr. helped the Nuggets win their first championship in their franchise history in 2023. He did so with his stout defense and elite shooting. Some would argue that alone makes him live up to his contract, but compared to other players around his salary range, his production doesn’t match his salary. He has accepted his lesser role alongside Jokic, the three-time MVP, and playoff-riser Jamal Murray. It makes sense that his impact is less than his two other max contract teammates, but he still must be efficient with his opportunities. The Nuggets will not win many games if Porter Jr. shoots inefficiently.
The Nuggets added to their large contracts by giving Aaron Gordon a contract extension this offseason. A massive chunk of the Nuggets’ salary cap is invested in four players. Porter Jr. needs to play up to his contract and carry his weight. Shooting is his strength, and he will need to prove his elite touch from distance for the Nuggets to contend for another championship this season. With the Nuggets’ bench already struggling, and needing improvement, it’s even more important that Porter Jr. gets the ball rolling sooner than later.
