The Denver Nuggets have a powerful core with Michael Porter Jr. as a key player. He’s had a late start to his NBA career despite being picked by the Nuggets in the 2018 Draft, thanks to his once-persistent back troubles and repeated surgery that kept him benched until 2019. But since then, there has been no turning back. One good season after another, MPJ has just improved himself for the greater good.

Before his third back surgery in 2021 that kept him away from the NBA for the rest of the season, Michael Porter Jr. scored his career-high 39 points against the Houston Rockets. He was expected to team up with Nikola Jokic while Jamal Murray recovered from his ACL tear. However, focusing on fitness, Porter Jr. too went into recovery. But when he returned the following season, he put up 16 points and 13 rebounds in a 94–89 win over Miami. Thus, helping Denver win their maiden championship, Michael Porter Jr. shared his contribution.

Meanwhile, rumors suggest the MPJ desires to bulk up a bit more. Insiders say that the Nuggets’ SF wants to transform from 218 to 232 pounds. This means Porter Jr. wants to “play bigger” for his team. This decision comes days after the 26YO hit a practice session with Stephen Curry. Maybe the lessons Porter learned during the session got him to decide to bulk up for the upcoming season. Sharing his experience on the Off Guard Podcast, Michael Porter Jr. said, “When I work out with Steph, it’s amazing and it’s so fun.” He further added, “There are only so many shooters in the world that can push me to concentrate. Because I can naturally shoot. But when I’m working out with Steph, it’s amazing.”

There is no doubt that MPJ is one of the shooting aces in the NBA. On March 21, 2024, Porter put up 31 points along with his 193rd made three-pointer of the season, surpassing the previous record of 192 set by Dale Ellis for the most made three-pointers in a season in Nuggets franchise history. Despite the achievements following his multiple medical procedures, his harsh confession could show the brutal truth of the sport.

Michael Porter Jr. confesses that money almost makes it difficult for him to enjoy the game

Michael Porter Jr. is crucial for the Denver Nuggets if they want to win the 2024/25 NBA season. Besides, Jokic must continue to play like an MVP, and younger players like Payton Watson have to step up for the team. Amidst the requirements, MPJ acknowledges the pressure that comes with his position in Denver. Thus, talking on the Ringer NBA Podcast, the small forward made an honest confession, “I would play basketball… before my injuries. Now it’s a little different. Like, it sometimes feels like a job… the money—that was never my goal. My goal was to be as good as I could be. So man, the money almost honestly sometimes makes it a little bit harder to enjoy the game.” 

People who transformed their passions into jobs could tell you how the vibe drastically changes. However, not many would sympathize with Michael Porter Jr. on this front. This is because he’s in the NBA to give his best in every game he plays. So the passion-driven hooper has to deliver no matter what. Meanwhile, Porter Jr. averaged 16.7 points and 7 rebounds last season, hitting 39.7% from three-point range. As a player making $39.5 million this season with three years and $115 million left on his contract, he must perform at an All-Star level.

With Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. all taking up significant cap space, the Nuggets can’t easily carry three max players. This puts added pressure on the SF to deliver, especially after the loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. He needs to rise to the occasion and fill the gap left by KCP to help Jokic secure another championship. How he handles this pressure will be critical for the Nuggets’ success next season. Can MPJ rise for his team? We’ll find out soon.