Denver Nuggets: Season preview for the 2019-20 season

SACRAMENTO, CA - JANUARY 3: Nikola Jokic #15, Malik Beasley #25 and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrate against the Sacramento Kings on January 3, 2019 at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Rocky Widner/NBAE via Getty Images) /

3 of 7

Photos by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images /

Storyline 1: What is Michael Porter Jr.?

A highly touted recruit out of Nathan Hale High School, Michael Porter Jr. was sidelined most of his freshman season at Missouri with back issues. As a result, he fell to 14th overall, where Denver poached him with a low-risk, high-reward move.

Denver had no impetus to rush him back. It had a good and deep squad without him. Him reaching his star potential would be a luxury given how well other youngsters have developed.

With not only how deep the Nuggets rotation is, but also the team’s expectations, it may take a while for him to get major minutes. Whether Porter Jr. ever reaches his potential, even if healthy, is a question all its own. He’s a 6’10” scoring who can attack mismatches with ease, which is a salivating fit in Denver’s rotation.

The complication is that he hasn’t been fully healthy since high school. What we see from him this upcoming season may only be flashes, and it’s possible a 6’10” human never recovers from back problems.

The Nuggets were right to bring him along slowly. Now if he gets anywhere close to what he’s capable of…watch out, NBA.

Home/Denver Nuggets