Michael Porter Jr. was a top-rated prospect heading to the 2018 NBA Draft. However, he slipped to the Denver Nuggets at no. 14 after teams expressed concerns about his back injury. In fact, a Los Angeles Clippers doctor thought he would never be able to play again–much more suit up in the league.
Of course MPJ proved the doubters wrong and has shown over the past two years what made him a highly rated player coming out of college (and even the No. 1 player out of high school). Apparently, it was the promise he made to the Nuggets after the draft that strengthened his mentality and fueled his desire to be the best player he can be, per The Old Man & The Three podcast.
“I said this on draft night, but just because of them believing in me, I want to be their best draft pick ever, and I [said] I was going to work as hard as I could to become that,” Porter said, via Basketball News. “And I still feel like every year, there’s little-by-little growth. I went through a lot, but it’s all God’s timing and I’m blessed to be in the situation I’m in. I’m blessed to even be playing in the NBA.”
Michael Porter Jr. missed his first season as he rehabbed from his back injury, which he had been dealing with since his time at Mizzou. However, the wait was worth it for the Nuggets, as the youngster showed his offensive game is as good as advertised.
He has certainly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise, alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. And with the motivation he has, it won't be long before he contends for an All-Star appearance and be a crucial factor in the Nuggets' quest for the Larry O'Brien trophy.
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