Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. is the secret weapon for 2018-19
Denver Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. hopes that he can be cleared to play soon, possibly before the start of the 2018-19 NBA season
When Michael Porter Jr. fell to the No. 14 pick (to the Denver Nuggets) on draft night, it was clear that something was off. Either he wasn’t healthy or something else was going to come out as soon as he was drafted. And that’s exactly what happened.
In order to further repair bulging disks in his back, Porter needed a second spinal surgery, which he had done in July. He had a first back surgery done in November of last year. There was no target date for a return after the second procedure, but he’s hoping it’s sooner rather than later.
"[via ESPN]"
More from Sir Charles In Charge
- LeBron James working to assemble super team for USA Basketball in 2024
- Dillon Brooks proved his value to Houston Rockets in the 2023 FIBA World Cup
- NBA Trade Rumors: 1 Player from each team most likely to be traded in-season
- Golden State Warriors: Buy or sell Chris Paul being a day 1 starter
- Does Christian Wood make the Los Angeles Lakers a legit contender?
"“I don’t have a date but I’m hoping to be back for the beginning of the year. Gotta heal up, but I feel great,” Porter said."
The Nuggets shouldn’t be relying on Porter to play at all this season – assuming they’re playing the safe, long game with him – but anything that he can give the team this season will be gravy. Denver selected Porter with the 14th pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, hoping that he would be a steal in the future.
Not really this season.
But if he can even give the Nuggets a second half push this year, it could help them get over the hump in the Western Conference, which is going to be extremely difficult to break into the playoff party.
Michael Porter Jr. was the No. 2 rated prospect to come out of high school a couple of seasons ago and if it weren’t for the original back injury during his freshman season at Missouri, he probably would’ve been the first or second pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.
Related Story. NBA Offseason Wrap Up: Out West, the Warriors reign supreme. light
As the new season approaches, the Nuggets could have one of the NBA’s best secret weapon at their disposal. Depending on his health, Michael Porter Jr. could be the biggest rookie game-changer this season.