Despite a desire to be an All-Star-level scorer, Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is averaging 16.5 points per game this season, his lowest mark since his injury-shortened 2021-22 campaign.
He’s shooting 47.0 percent from the field and 37.5 percent from deep. Though his 13.8 field goal attempts per game are actually a career-high, he averaged 13.2 field goal attempts per game the previous four seasons. In 2024-25, he’s averaging 6.7 three-point attempts per game, but took 6.8 three-point attempts per game the previous four seasons.
Based on those numbers, it seems like Porter’s hopes will be dashed in 2024-25. Had he been traded to the Los Angeles Clippers in a deal for Paul George, a deal that the Nuggets turned down to retain key role players, he may very well be racking up points right now. However, on a team with more top-end talent and an established pecking order, Porter’s pretty much boxed-in.
Or is he?
Nuggets’ Michael Porter Jr. Finding An All-Star Formula
In his last two contests, Porter’s posted 23.0 points per game while looking far more aggressive. His shooting splits —.600-.538-.750 —don’t look to be sustainable over a long period of time. However, the process of how Porter’s gotten those points could be.
For years, Porter has been considered a three-point specialist. In fact, since he’s become a full-time starter, 51.0 percent of his field goal attempts have been from three-point range. Yet, in the past two games, 43.3 percent of his shot attempts have been threes. This isn’t an extreme difference but it’s significant, reflecting Porter’s increased willingness to score off-the-dribble.
Michael Porter Jr. hit some insanely tough shots in that first half pic.twitter.com/Ew0M7P24JW
— Matt Brooks (@MattBrooksNBA) November 2, 2024
The number of Porter’s unassisted attempts tell the same story. In the past two games, 22.2 percent of his field goals and 28.6 percent of his three-pointers have been unassisted. Prior to that, 16.7 percent of his field goal attempts and 0 percent of his three-point attempts were unassisted this season.
For Porter, this will be the key to him putting up the types of numbers that he believes he can.
Taking Matters Into His Own Hands
Porter’s work off-ball is tremendous.
Right back at ya 🤝 pic.twitter.com/EFeXjjQDij
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 30, 2024
Not only is he elite at catch-and-shoot attempts, he’s a timely cutter and above-average finisher. However, when he’s not just a shot-maker but a shot-creator, he doesn’t have to rely on Nuggets head coach Michael Malone to call his number or Nikola Jokic to find him. As a result, he’ll be able to take more field goals and put up more points.
Of course, Porter can’t just freewheel all game. Furthermore, if he’s going to take matters into his own hands, he has to keep having something to show for it. He hasn’t earned the level of trust that Malone has in Jokic and Jamal Murray, so he’ll have a shorter leash. Nonetheless, as he looks to elevate his game, it turns out that he can’t just wait for the green light.
He has to take what he wants.
