The Denver Nuggets bid farewell to the player with the third-best scoring average from last season, but for Michael Porter Jr., a new chapter is opening in his career with the Brooklyn Nets. At least, that’s what he indicated in his reaction after being traded.
“Honestly, I’m not like a super anxious guy or anything like that,” Porter Jr. told Erik Slater of Clutch Points. “So on the plane when I found out, I was kind of just like, ‘Well, I’m traded,’ and took a nap afterwards.”
Porter Jr. spoke about his strong performance last season in Denver, where he averaged around 18 points, and added what he could bring to Brooklyn: “I averaged 21 [points] one year. Last year, I was around 18 as the third option. I just feel like I have more in my tank still. I don’t feel like I’ve reached my peak, and I’m excited to grow my game, expand my game, explore my game, and see what I could do.”
How Michael Porter Jr. Can Boost the Nets
Michael Porter Jr.’s arrival in Brooklyn is more than necessary following the departure of Cameron Johnson, who contributed 18.8 points per game last season. Porter Jr. is therefore a perfect fit to fill that void.
Porter Jr.’s consistent performance makes him a relatively valuable player for the Nets. He holds a career average of 16.2 points per game and has maintained above that mark for the past three seasons. His highest single-season average was 19 points per game during the 2020-21 NBA season.
Porter Jr. Willing to Adjust to New York
The Nets missed the playoffs last season despite having players with relatively good averages. Porter Jr. joins the team aiming to help, but he’ll also need to adjust, as New York isn’t his favorite city.
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“I always said New York was my least favorite NBA city,” Porter Jr. said. “Just because I grew up in the Midwest, where there’s so much space and no traffic. So it’ll be an adjustment. But I think it’ll end up being an amazing place for me.”
