The Nuggets announced (Twitter link) that they have picked up their fourth-year team option on forward Michael Porter Jr., who enjoyed a promising 2019/20 season for the club. The option will pay Porter $5,258,735 in ’21/22.
As we outlined earlier, players entering the second or third year of their rookie scale deals are already under contract for this year. December 29 is the deadline for clubs to make determinations on those players for next season, 2021/22.
Porter missed his entire first season as a pro due to a back injury, so 2019/20 was technically his rookie year. In just 16.4 minutes per contest, the 6’10” forward out of Missouri averaged 9.3 PPG and 4.7 RPG across 55 games. He showcased an impressive slash line, shooting .509/.422/.833.
With the departure of starting small forward Jerami Grant to the Pistons this offseason, Porter figures to see a bigger role on the floor for Denver. He will be eligible for a rookie scale extension during the 2021 offseason.
This dude is such a question mark in terms of durability and chemistry. A no brainer picking up the option, but I’m eager to see what his first year in free agency looks like
Come on u gotta be an Alfa to be known by your initials. ie AD PG
JH
Your best player will be Wall by the end of the regular season at the latest, hope you’re ready for a rebuild
Wow, can’t believe how cheap the DEN can have an emerging star like him, for only 5M$… they better enjoy him ’cause his rookie extension will be at least like Murray or Jokic… with this big 3 for DEN the sky is the limit, they will win a championship make no mistake about it!
Really lol ?? He’s played 55 gms avg 16.4 mins. And he’s going to HOF. His back is not even healed yet. If you really watch him. You can still see how stiff he is at times. He’s not even worth his contract at 16 mins a gm. He’s shown flashes and skill. But it don’t mean squat till. He does it for 82 gms. For 32 mins a game. And at least two yrs. Still damaged goods till he proves otherwise. Calm down dude.
I get where you’re coming from and agree it’s far too early to be calling him an “emerging star” BUT averaging almost 10 PPG in 16 MPG is a very impressive feat. And he’s 6’10” and shot 42% from the 3-pt line. Granted he does obviously have a massive question mark as to whether he can stay healthy… but he’s also not just a regular “damaged goods” scrub… the kid obviously has elite level talent… And It seems unlikely that he’ll never recover from his injury 2/3 years ago — so having said all of that… he does look like he has the potential to breakout this year – IF he can stay healthy.
Not saying he won’t do it. But it’s 16 mins a gm. He has shown talent in college. But I’ve watched him play more than a few times. And I can see he’s stiff at times. And he’s also looked like a big wing who can shoot. I’d say watch him play on the inside. See what he does with contact. Im not ready to call a guy a merging starter or star. Until he can do it consistently. Plus you already know he’s had real surgery. Just being smart and protecting your team to really evaluate the guy. Never against players. At the same time I’m not giving passes either. Investing money is serious business lol.
Yes, he can look stiff or maybe is stiff in how his body moves yet the man can play. Forget the bubble excellence if you want and focus on his defensive weaknesses but guys that big who are as skilled as him are rare. He has a great chance to be a really solid starter and good chance to become an All Star, with good health.