Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is striving to reach an All-Star level, but he’s currently averaging 16.5 points per game — his lowest since the injury-shortened 2021-22 season. Shooting 47.0% from the field and 37.5% from three, Porter is attempting a career-high 13.8 shots per game, though this is just slightly above his 13.2 average over the previous four seasons. With 6.7 three-point attempts per game, his stats indicate he’s not taking many more shots than in past seasons, limiting his scoring potential.
Had Porter been traded to the Clippers for Paul George, a deal the Nuggets declined, he might have found more scoring opportunities. Yet, within Denver’s structured offense and with established stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, Porter’s role has been more restricted — though his recent play suggests he could still break out.
In his last two games, Porter has averaged 23.0 points on efficient shooting splits (.600 from the field, .538 from three, and .750 from the free-throw line). Although this spike may not be sustainable, it reflects his growing ability to generate his own offense. Previously viewed primarily as a three-point shooter, Porter has shifted only 43.3% of his attempts to threes recently, down from his career 51.0% mark. This slight adjustment shows he’s trying to diversify his scoring.
Moreover, Porter’s unassisted attempts have risen, with 22.2% of his field goals and 28.6% of his three-point shots in the last two games being self-created. Earlier this season, only 16.7% of his field goals and none of his threes were unassisted. For Porter, becoming a shot-creator could be the key to achieving the scoring numbers he believes are possible.
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Porter’s skills off the ball remain crucial — he’s known for elite catch-and-shoot accuracy, timely cutting, and finishing. However, taking more control over his shots allows him to score without relying solely on Malone’s play-calling or Jokic’s playmaking. While Porter must still balance his approach within the Nuggets’ system and prove his consistency, his recent aggression signals he’s ready to take his game to the next level by seizing opportunities on his own terms.
