The NBA Was Wrong About Michael Porter Jr

When the trade between the Denver Nuggets and Brooklyn Nets sent Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn in exchange for Cam Johnson, most analysts and fans hailed the deal as a win for Denver. The Nuggets were acquiring a more consistent defender, a playmaker, and a player with fewer off-court concerns, while the Nets were taking a chance on a talented but often-injured scorer. Yet, as the season has unfolded, Porter Jr. has turned conventional wisdom on its head, emerging as one of the NBA’s most productive and resilient stars.

This feature dives deep into Porter Jr.’s transformation, what it means for Brooklyn, and how his journey reflects the unpredictable nature of player development in the NBA.

The Trade: Setting Expectations

The trade was initially viewed as a move that would help Denver shore up its perimeter defense and ball movement. Cam Johnson’s reputation as a steady two-way player fit the Nuggets’ system, which already boasted stars like Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Aaron Gordon. For Brooklyn, the acquisition of Porter Jr. was a gamble—could he stay healthy, could he thrive outside the Denver system, and could he become a leader for a team in transition?

Bill Simmons, a prominent NBA commentator, famously reversed his stance on the trade after a few days of reflection, ultimately calling it “one of the worst trades of the decade.” The consensus was that Denver had made a shrewd move, but as the season progressed, Porter Jr. began to prove the doubters wrong.

Porter Jr.’s Performance: Numbers Don’t Lie

Thirty games into the season, Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 26 points, 7.5 rebounds, and over three assists per game. His shooting splits are elite—nearly 50% from the field and over 40% from three-point range. These are not empty numbers; they’ve translated into wins for Brooklyn. After a rough start, the Nets have gone 8-3 in their last 11 games with Porter Jr. on the floor, boasting a 108-point differential over that span.

Porter Jr.’s impact is especially notable in wins against top teams like Philadelphia, Minnesota, Milwaukee, Toronto, and, most memorably, his former team, the Denver Nuggets. In these games, Porter Jr. has often been the best player on the court, showing not only scoring prowess but also consistency and leadership.

From Third Option to Primary Scorer

In Denver, Porter Jr. was the third option behind Jokic and Murray, averaging a steady 18 points per game. But being a secondary scorer is different than being the focal point of an offense. In Brooklyn, Porter Jr. faces the opponent’s best defender every night and is the centerpiece of every defensive game plan. Despite this, he has increased his scoring and maintained his efficiency—a rare feat in the NBA.

As someone who watched Porter Jr. closely in Denver, I admit I didn’t expect him to thrive in this role. Many fans assumed he would need to expand his handle and shot creation to succeed, perhaps recalling the comparisons to Kevin Durant from his high school days. But Porter Jr. has instead relied on his ability to make tough shots, move without the ball, and shoot over defenders—skills that were always present but are now showcased at a higher volume.

The Art of Tough Shot Making

Porter Jr.’s scoring arsenal is built on his length, shooting touch, and ability to create separation with minimal dribbling. In a recent win over Denver, he demonstrated this perfectly. With Bruce Brown draped over him, Porter Jr. took two dribbles, made a big side step, and faded away for a jumper that few players his size could even attempt, let alone make.

Against Jamal Murray, Porter Jr. caught the ball 20 feet from the basket and simply shot over the top, leveraging his height and release point. In that game, he posted 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists—using just six dribbles for his eight made field goals. This efficiency is reminiscent of players like Klay Thompson, who can score in bunches without dominating the ball.

Porter Jr. excels coming off screens, pindowns, and moving off the ball at an elite level. He’s doing what he did in Denver, but now as the primary option, facing increased defensive pressure. Few players can maintain efficiency in such circumstances, but Porter Jr. has risen to the challenge.

Coaching Vision: Jordi Fernandez’s Influence

Brooklyn head coach Jordi Fernandez saw Porter Jr.’s potential from the start. “I want him to be aggressive. I’m going to ask him to shoot the ball. I’m not going to ask him to dribble too much, but he can shoot over people. He can rebound. I’m excited to watch him in a different role,” Fernandez said after the trade.

Fernandez’s approach has paid off. By designing sets that get Porter Jr. open looks and leveraging his off-ball movement, the Nets have maximized his strengths. Porter Jr. is not asked to be a point forward, but rather a scorer and secondary playmaker—roles that suit his skill set perfectly.

Overcoming Injuries: The Road to Resilience

Porter Jr.’s journey to stardom has been anything but smooth. Once projected as a top-two pick, he fell to 13th in the draft due to concerns about his back. In his first four NBA seasons, Porter Jr. played just 125 games—an average of 31 per year—fueling doubts about his durability.

But over the last two seasons in Denver, Porter Jr. barely missed any games, ranking among the top ten in games started. He continues to battle injuries daily, wearing a brace on his ankle similar to those used by stroke survivors, and has undergone three back surgeries. Nerve pain down his leg makes even getting out of bed a challenge.

Despite these obstacles, Porter Jr. is playing at an All-Star level. His ability to work through pain and adapt his game deserves immense credit and serves as an inspiration to athletes facing adversity.

The Evolution of Porter Jr.: Passing and Playmaking

Porter Jr. has long been the subject of jokes about his reluctance to pass, earning nicknames like “Never Swing the Rock.” Even he acknowledged that assists were not his primary role in Denver. However, in Brooklyn, Porter Jr. has taken a leap as a playmaker.

One area where Porter Jr. has excelled is in his partnership with center Nicolas Claxton. He’s developed a knack for drawing defenders and creating lob opportunities for Claxton. On one play, Porter Jr. received a handoff from Claxton, attacked the defense, and, when the help committed, threw a perfect lob for an alley-oop.

He’s also improved his ability to read defenses and deliver passes over the top, as seen in a recent game where he drew Bam Adebayo and found Claxton for a dunk. While Porter Jr. is not an elite playmaker or a point forward, his shooting gravity opens up the floor for teammates and creates opportunities as a secondary passer.

Three-Level Scoring and Floor Spacing

Porter Jr.’s value goes beyond just three-point shooting. His ability to score at all three levels—beyond the arc, mid-range, and at the rim—forces defenses to respect him everywhere on the court. If defenders hang back to prevent the lob, Porter Jr. can knock down mid-range jumpers. If they close out hard, he can attack the closeout and finish or find an open teammate.

This versatility makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Teams that try to run him off the three-point line find it nearly impossible when he can shoot over anyone, and his improved passing means double teams are less effective.

Brooklyn’s Resurgence: Impact on Team Success

Porter Jr.’s emergence has had a ripple effect on the Nets. After a difficult start, Brooklyn has found its rhythm, winning eight of its last eleven games with Porter Jr. leading the way. The team’s point differential during this stretch is among the best in the league, and they’ve notched impressive victories against playoff-caliber opponents.

Porter Jr.’s consistency and leadership have stabilized the Nets’ offense, allowing role players like Cam Thomas, Dorian Finney-Smith, and Dennis Schroder to thrive in complementary roles. The team’s defense has improved as well, with Porter Jr. contributing more effort and discipline on that end of the floor.

Comparing Roles: Denver vs. Brooklyn

The shift from Denver to Brooklyn required Porter Jr. to adjust his mindset and responsibilities. In Denver, he played off Jokic and Murray, often benefiting from open looks created by their playmaking. In Brooklyn, he’s the focal point, tasked with creating his own shot and carrying the scoring load.

Despite facing the opponent’s best defender each night and being the center of every scouting report, Porter Jr. has increased his scoring and maintained his efficiency. This transition is one of the most difficult in basketball, and Porter Jr.’s success speaks volumes about his skill and work ethic.

The Importance of Health and Longevity

Porter Jr.’s story is a testament to perseverance. The doubts about his health were valid, given his injury history, but he has found ways to manage his condition and remain on the court. His commitment to rehabilitation, physical therapy, and adapting his game to minimize risk have paid off.

For young players facing similar challenges, Porter Jr.’s journey offers hope. It’s possible to overcome setbacks and fulfill potential, even when the odds seem stacked against you.

The Future: What’s Next for Porter Jr. and the Nets?

As the season progresses, the Nets will continue to rely on Porter Jr. as their primary scorer and leader. His ability to produce against elite defenses and make plays for teammates will be crucial as Brooklyn fights for playoff positioning.

Head coach Jordi Fernandez’s system fits Porter Jr.’s strengths, and the team’s depth provides support. If Porter Jr. can maintain his health and continue to evolve as a playmaker, the Nets could be a dark horse in the Eastern Conference.

Porter Jr.’s All-Star candidacy is no longer in question; he’s proven he belongs among the league’s elite. His story is one of resilience, adaptability, and quiet determination—a reminder that player development is never linear, and that stars can emerge in unexpected ways.

Conclusion: Respect Earned

Michael Porter Jr. has silenced his doubters and established himself as one of the NBA’s premier scorers. His transition from Denver to Brooklyn, overcoming injuries and expanding his game, is a blueprint for how talent, opportunity, and perseverance can intersect to create something special.

Whether you’re a Nets fan, a Nuggets supporter, or simply an admirer of great basketball, Porter Jr.’s season deserves respect. He’s not just “that guy”—he’s a player who has redefined his career and inspired a new generation of athletes.

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