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NBA Power Rankings: Tiering all 30 projected starting small forwards for 2023-24

By Michael Saenz

Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports)
Phoenix Suns Kevin Durant (Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports) /
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DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 01: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets is stripped of the ball going to the basket against Damion Lee #10 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena on May 01, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – MAY 01: Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets is stripped of the ball going to the basket against Damion Lee #10 and Kevin Durant #35 of the Phoenix Suns in the second quarter during Game Two of the NBA Western Conference Semifinals at Ball Arena on May 01, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

12. Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets

When it comes to offensive talent, there aren’t many young players better than Michael Porter Jr. And that was kind of his story when he entered the league. There were questions about his ability to remain healthy and his defensive abilities. But on the offensive end of the floor, MPJ was going to be able to match up and keep pace with almost any other players in the NBA. And that’s what we’ve seen from the first few years of MPJ’s career with the Denver Nuggets.

After a slow first couple of years in the league, MPJ has really come on as a strong offensive force. This past season, as he helped the Nuggets win their first NBA Championship in history, he averaged 17 points and six rebounds on 41 percent shooting from 3-point range.

Because of his defensive inconsistencies, he’s probably never going to be a legit superstar in the NBA. However, it’s become pretty clear that he’s emerged as a key part of the Nuggets’ future. And if they’re going to compete for more championships in the future, MPJ will be a big part of that.

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