Denver Nuggets: Summer League expectations for Michael Porter Jr.

Although the Denver Nuggets haven’t acquired flashy pieces this offseason, they’re essentially adding a Rookie of the Year candidate in Michael Porter Jr.

The Denver Nuggets are not exactly a free agency hub, and they’ve learned to make peace with this, relying instead on their draft prowess and a strong player development system.

Although Tobias Harris or Bojan Bogdanovic would have helped with the glaring small forward need, Denver stayed true to its core, moving only to extend the tenures of Jamal Murray and Paul Millsap. This is less than exciting for fans, but many are still pleased to see the commitment to the core.

And perhaps this news isn’t as boring as some think. Stashed away is Michael Porter Jr., a possible superstar wing in the making. The buzz around his health has been positive lately, as he’s set to begin NBA Summer League play July 5.

Could Denver be passing on small forwards due to confidence in a Porter emergence? In other words, there must be reason for the competent front office’s stillness throughout free agency. Even acquiring a lower-key support wing with the mid-level exception would have helped. Perhaps the full story develops once Porter hits the floor Friday.

Keep in mind, the Nuggets already have a strong core, as they snagged the 2-seed in the Western Conference last year. Factor in the recent Jamal Murray extension and Denver has its best young players secured for the long haul.

Denver’s core commitments

• Jamal Murray (six years under team control)
• Nikola Jokic (four years)
• Gary Harris (three years)
• Michael Porter Jr. (three years)
• Will Barton (two years)

Most Nuggets fans are excited about the young core and believe it or not, Michael Porter Jr. has the highest ceiling of the group. He’s been compared to Kevin Durant when healthy, and Summer League play could illustrate his capabilities.

Seeing that small forward minutes are available, Porter wants to showcase skills that Denver needs most. If Porter proves himself capable in the following areas, he’ll start immediately.

Shooting

The Nuggets were plagued by up-and-down shooting last postseason. The squad shot just 2-for-19 from 3-point range in Denver’s Game 7 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers. The worst part? Both makes belonged to Jokic, meaning the teammates he frequently dimes clanked a combined 19 attempts.

Denver doesn’t need complexity at the small forward spot, as playmaking exists at every other position. Shooting is the key desire, as the current floor-spacers aren’t getting it done. Starters Will Barton and Gary Harris hit just 34.2 percent and 33.9 percent from 3-point range last season, respectively.

The Nuggets must discourage defenses from doubling Jokic, and Porter is said to be among the team’s elite shooters. A simple catch-and-shoot role could be beneficial to Porter’s early development, and he would contribute immediately from the outside.

Defense

Denver struggled mightily against bigger wings throughout last season. Portland’s 6’8” forward Rodney Hood averaged 14.7 points per game on 58.3 percent shooting during the Western Conference Finals. His play was key to Portland’s series victory.

Also, in Denver’s past three games against the Golden State Warriors, 6’10” forward Kevin Durant torched them for 24.7 points per contest, shooting a blistering 69.8 percent. The Nuggets rarely have an answer for this player archetype.

Much of the defensive issues involve Denver’s tiny frontcourt. Will Barton is listed at 6’6” and weighs a slight 190 pounds. Torrey Craig checks in at 6’7”, but this seems to be a generous listing.

Porter’s 6’10” frame could help stabilize Denver’s leaky faucet defense at the 3-spot. The importance of his defensive development cannot be stressed enough, as the Nuggets essentially lost a playoff series in this manner.

Overall

So what is expected of Michael Porter Jr. overall? The honest answer…nobody knows. His career could end up great, like Durant’s. Or injuries could prevent him from gaining any traction, as has occurred since his high school days.

Assuming full health, Porter has a wonderful opportunity to impact the squad. The team needs height, shooting and defense at the 3-spot, and Porter’s smooth stroke has already impressed coaches. Consider his superstar upside and mid-range abilities a bonus.