One year after their NBA Finals victory in 2023, the Denver Nuggets no longer look like that same dominant team. Last season, despite finishing 57-25, the Nuggets lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second round of the playoffs. Additionally, they are 2-2 to start the 2024-25 season (though they could easily be 0-4 right now as well). Over the past few seasons, they have lost some notable rotation players–most notably, Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Despite still being a top team in the West, Denver’s championship window is closing. This is especially true due to how competitive their conference is, as well as their financial situation. In a recent story by ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, a few Nuggets players spoke about getting back to the top. However, Michael Porter Jr., who played a key role in the team’s championship run two seasons ago, was direct about Denver’s future outlook.
Denver Nuggets Champion Gets Brutally Honest About Team’s Future
Michael Porter Jr. Says Nuggets Could ‘Break It Up’ After This Season
Per Shelburne, Porter Jr. acknowledged that the Nuggets could shake up the roster in a major way if the team fails to win a title this season.
“If we don’t win it this year,” forward Michael Porter Jr. told ESPN. “We all know they might have to break it up.”
The Nuggets signed Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon to long-term contracts this year. Additionally, Nikola Jokic still has four years remaining on his five-year, $270 million contract extension. Denver is in a difficult spot financially and may have to make some major moves next summer. However, for the time being, it is clear that the Nuggets are only focused on this season and winning another championship.
Michael Porter Jr. During the 2024-25 Season
Through the first four games of the campaign, Porter Jr. is off to a rocky start. The 26-year-old is averaging 13.3 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.3 assists, and 1 steal per game. Furthermore, he is shooting 39.6% from the field and 29.6% from the three-point line. In both of Denver’s losses on the year, Porter Jr. scored a combined 24 points on 30% from the field. However, in their two wins, he scored 29 points on 52.2% from the field. Porter Jr. is an essential player on the Nuggets roster. For Denver to have a legitimate chance of winning another title, Porter Jr. must get back into his rhythm.
The Last Word
As long as Jokic remains on the team, the Nuggets will always be a legitimate title contender. He is one of the best offensive players in recent history and is only 29 years old. Denver has an intriguing team around him. However, as Porter Jr. says, there is a real possibility they will not stay together in the long run. The Nuggets will have a lot of serious competition in front of them in the West. Most notably, teams like the Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder are legitimate title contenders now and will be in the long run. Still, unlike those teams, the Nuggets have proven they can win a championship and are capable of doing it again.
