Michael Porter Jr. – Denver Nuggets

Without Jamal Murray, the Denver Nuggets’ chances of potentially being a championship-caliber team are slim, but Michael Porter Jr. has been fantastic over the last month or so. Last year in the NBA Bubble, MPJ emerged as a young, versatile talent with a whole lot of potential and in his first full season starting for the Nuggets on the wing, he has been sensational. 

In 61 games for Denver during the regular season this year, Michael Porter Jr. averaged 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and shot 44.5% from three-point range! Since Murray went down with a torn ACL in his left knee, MPJ has emerged as that second top-tier talent that Nuggets need next to their MVP in Nikola Jokic. 

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We have seen flashes of Michael Porter Jr.’s greatness, specifically last season in the NBA Bubble and now with him getting as many shots as he wants in games, we can expect him to have some major breakout games against the Portland Trail Blazers. 

They really do not have anybody that can guard him given his length and given how confident Michael Porter Jr. is shooting the ball right now, it looks like that everytime he shoots, the ball is going in! He has such a smooth follow through and is so smart in terms of getting to where he wants to shoot from on the floor that he is going to be able to get plenty of open looks on the perimeter and on the drive against the Blazers who have been a very streaky defensive team all year long. 

With the ability to knock down numerous three-point jumpers, get to the basket and score, as well as grab both offensive and defensive rebounds, Michael Porter Jr. is the impact player for the Nuggets who is going to have to be a difference-maker for them if they are to advance far in the postseason again, especially without Jamal Murray.