Trae Young recently opened up about his long-time friend Michael Porter Jr. and how the Denver Nuggets forward’s career could have unfolded differently if not for a devastating back injury. Speaking on the “Podcast P with Paul George” podcast, Young shared his thoughts on Porter’s potential, drawing a comparison to NBA superstar Paul George.
“I was at the practice that he hurt his back. I was with him a week ago and we still talk about that like. The difference in his game. He would have been another PG. Like he’s so offensively skilled and he’s just so smooth with his game and he was a really good defender in high school. But he could have even been a better defender at this level.”
“If his back wasn’t so stiff and he having screws and having things messed up in his back like it’s just unfortunate. He would’ve been a really, really high-level player. Thankfully, he still made a good career so far.”
Trae Young says Michael Porter Jr. would have been a similar player to Paul George if he hadn’t hurt his back 👀
(🎥 @PodcastPShow )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 16, 2024
Trae Young recounted the moment Porter first hurt his back during a practice session in Austin, where Porter attempted a dunk but fell hard, leading to a back injury that would plague him for years.
The two players have a history that dates back to their high school days, where they trained together and even won the 2016 Nike Peach Jam championship as teammates on Kansas City’s MOKAN Elite AAU team. Young’s admiration for Porter’s talent is clear, and he believes that if not for the back issues, Porter could have reached the same heights as George, known for his versatility and two-way prowess.
Porter’s back injury, which he first sustained during that fateful practice, eventually led to three surgeries and caused him to miss over 100 games in his first five NBA seasons. Despite these setbacks, Porter has carved out a successful career with the Nuggets, emerging as a key starter and averaging 16.7 points and 7.0 rebounds per game in the most recent season.
Young lamented how the injury has limited Porter’s potential, particularly in defense, where he once excelled. While Porter may never fully realize the lofty comparison to Paul George, he has proven to be a resilient and valuable player, contributing significantly to the Nuggets’ success and even earning an NBA championship.
Michael Porter Jr. Could Be An All-NBA Talent If He Becomes A First Or Second Option
Michael Porter Jr. has demonstrated his immense potential over the past few seasons with the Denver Nuggets, showcasing his ability to be a prolific scorer and a reliable contributor on both ends of the floor.
During the 2022-23 season, Porter Jr. averaged 17.4 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists per game while shooting an impressive 48.7% from the field and 41.4% from beyond the arc. Last season, he continued to excel, posting averages of 16.7 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.5 assists, shooting 48.4% from the field and 39.7% from three-point range.
Despite his consistent production, Porter Jr. is currently the third option for the Nuggets, playing behind the two-headed monster of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Jokic, the three-time MVP, is 29 years old, and Murray, the dynamic point guard, is 27. Both are in their prime and likely to be the cornerstone of the Nuggets for years to come. This reality means that Porter Jr. may not have the opportunity to fully showcase his talents as the focal point of an offense.
It’s important to clarify that this isn’t an argument for Porter Jr. to leave the Nuggets. He plays a crucial role in Denver’s success, and the team benefits greatly from having such a talented third option. However, one can’t help but wonder what Porter Jr. could achieve if he were given the reins as the first or second option on a different team.
We’ve seen players like James Harden flourish after leaving a similar situation. Harden was the third option behind Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook in Oklahoma City but became a generational talent and an MVP once he was given the chance to be the primary focus of an offense in Houston.
Michael Porter Jr. has the skill set, size, and shooting ability to be an All-NBA talent. If he were placed in a situation where he could be the focal point of an offense, there’s a strong possibility that he could reach new heights and solidify himself as one of the league’s premier players.
While his current role on the Nuggets is essential to their success, it’s intriguing to imagine what Porter Jr. could accomplish if he were given the opportunity to lead a team.
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