When discussing the best players in the NBA today, Nikola Jokic is one of the first names that comes to mind. Unlike other stars, Jokic has a reputation for appearing disinterested in the game, seemingly playing more out of obligation than passion. Yet a former teammate with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> has compared his work ethic and discipline to that of LeBron James.



Michael Porter Jr. recently spoke on the Glory Daze podcast with Johnny Manziel, reflecting on his time with the Nuggets and their playoff matchups against the Lakers. During the conversation, he opened up about what it was like playing alongside Jokic.



“I didn’t really know much about Nikola, honestly. I did not. And he wasn’t the superstar he is now when I first got drafted,” Porter Jr. said, recalling Jokic’s rookie season.



“I really didn’t see it at first,” Porter Jr. added when asked if he noticed <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Jokic</a>’s potential right away. “Even when we went into training camp, I remember asking my teammates, ‘Wait, so this dude is really that good?’ Everybody kept telling me he’s that cold, but in training camp, he and Mason Plumlee, our backup center, were kind of going head-to-head.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1980" height="1080" data-id="379340" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250823_BUS_477474_michael-porter-jr_54c71a2d.webp&amp;width=1980&amp;height=1080" alt="Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter" class="wp-image-379340" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr.jpg 1980w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-1536x838.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on February 01, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>
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Despite perceptions that Jokic plays reluctantly, on the court he reveals the opposite. “They were like, ‘No, Mike, wait till the real games come. You’re going to see this dude’s a problem. He could score 50 every single night if he wanted to.’ I didn’t see it at first, but I quickly found out that nah, he is him and he is the best player in the world.”


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Porter Jr. also emphasized that Jokic’s approach goes beyond perception, comparing him to <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/lebron-james">LeBron James</a> in terms of consistency and professionalism. “People think Nikola doesn’t care that much, but he cares so much about basketball and being great, and that’s why he is the player he is. I haven’t seen anyone in my life that consistent.”



“You know, I’ve heard the stories of LeBron and how he maintains his greatness day to day. Nikola is the same way,” Porter Jr. continued. “It doesn’t matter if he goes out the night before. It doesn’t matter. He’s getting his work in, he’s getting his treatment, he’s taking care of himself, and he’s going to be ready to go when the game comes around,” Porter Jr. said, highlighting Jokic’s relentless preparation.



For Nuggets fans and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> observers alike, Porter Jr.’s reflections shed light on why Jokic has become one of the most dominant and disciplined players in the league, quietly matching the standards set by the game’s elite.

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Former Nuggets teammate compares Nikola Jokic to LeBron James in terms of discipline - Bolavip US

miniaturas

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> 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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/brooklyn-nets">Brooklyn</a>: “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.”



<h2>How Michael Porter Jr. Can Boost the Nets</h2>



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.



<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<div class="ck-twitter"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Michael Porter Jr. breaks his silence on being traded to the Nets: "I&apos;m really excited for this next chapter in Brooklyn. Over in Denver, I feel like my ceiling had plateaued… I want to grow my game. I don&apos;t want to plateau. I want to keep getting better throughout my career." <a href="https://t.co/hyc0Re8wSI">pic.twitter.com/hyc0Re8wSI</a>— Erik Slater (@erikslater_) <a href="https://twitter.com/erikslater_/status/1943133940350407130?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 10, 2025</a></blockquote></div><script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
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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 <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> season.



<h2>Porter Jr. Willing to Adjust to New York</h2>



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.”

After leaving Denver, Michael Porter Jr. reacts to Nets trade and hints at what’s still left in his tank

After leaving Denver, Michael Porter Jr. reacts to Nets trade and hints at what's still left in his tank - Bolavip US

Porter Jr. reacts to Nets trade and hints at what's still left in his tank

The <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> were left wanting more after falling in Game 7 of the Western Conference semifinals to the eventual champions, the Oklahoma City Thunder. Despite a strong NBA postseason run powered by Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets knew they needed to make roster changes this offseason—and they’ve wasted no time doing just that.



Michael Porter Jr., a key contributor during Denver’s 2023 championship campaign, has been traded to the Brooklyn Nets in exchange for Cam Johnson. The move is widely viewed as a cost-cutting decision that also gives the Nuggets more roster flexibility heading into next season.



The trade surprised many around the league, including Porter Jr. himself. But the 27-year-old forward is embracing the opportunity for a fresh start. “I’m really excited for this next chapter out here in Brooklyn,” Porter Jr. said on his YouTube channel in his first public comments since the deal. “Over there in Denver, I felt like my ceiling had kind of plateaued. We just have a way of playing—how Joker plays, how Jamal [Murray] plays—that two-man game is very potent.”



“That’s how we played, and I’m so appreciative of it—we ended up winning a championship,” he added. “But I do feel like my ceiling in Denver plateaued a little bit, and I’m excited for this next chapter in Brooklyn… I’m excited to expand my game and be able to do what I do.”



<figure class="wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped">
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1980" height="1080" data-id="379340" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20250710_BUS_438083_michael-porter-jr_34885367.webp&amp;width=1980&amp;height=1080" alt="Michael Porter of the Denver Nuggets" class="wp-image-379340" srcset="https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr.jpg 1980w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-300x164.jpg 300w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-1024x559.jpg 1024w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-768x419.jpg 768w, https://images.futbolsites.net/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2025/04/18192027/michael-porter-jr-1536x838.jpg 1536w" sizes="(max-width: 1980px) 100vw, 1980px"></figure><figcaption>Michael Porter Jr. #1 of the Denver Nuggets in the third quarter during their game at Spectrum Center on February 01, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina. </figcaption></figure>
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Over the past three seasons, <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/MICHAEL-PORTER-JR">Porter Jr</a>. averaged 17.1 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.6 assists while shooting 49% from the field, 40% from three, and 78% from the line. His size, rebounding ability, and shot-making were assets next to Jokic, but concerns remained about his decision-making, defensive impact, and consistency—particularly during the playoffs.


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Statistically, Porter Jr.’s numbers aren’t poor, but his efficiency and reliability significantly dropped when the Nuggets needed him most. His underwhelming <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba">NBA</a> postseason performances raised legitimate concerns inside the organization.



Porter Jr. is still owed $79 million over the next two years. By dealing him for Johnson—who is on a more manageable $21 million contract—the Nuggets moved below the second tax apron, giving them access to the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception. The trade also generated a $16.8 million trade exception.



This trade, along with other moves Denver has made this summer, could end up maximizing <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Jokic</a>’s prime. By improving depth and cap flexibility, the Nuggets may reassert themselves as serious contenders for the 2025-26 NBA title—something they believe is within reach with a more balanced roster.

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Former Nikola Jokic teammate on the Denver Nuggets breaks silence after being traded ahead of the upcoming NBA season - Bolavip US

The moment we’ve been waiting for is finally here. The stage is set for the 2023 NBA Finals, with the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/denver-nuggets">Denver Nuggets</a> and the <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/miami-heat">Miami Heat</a> ready to battle it out for the championship. Apart from the coveted Larry O’Brien Trophy, the other award at stake will be the Bill Russell <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/nba/nba-finals-mvp-complete-list-of-all-most-valuable-players-by-year-20220614-0037.html">NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award</a>.



For many, it will be a two-man battle. <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/nikola-jokic">Nikola Jokic</a> and <a href="https://bolavip.com/en/topic/jimmy-butler">Jimmy Butler</a> are the faces of their respective teams, which is why many believe they will be crucial to determine the winner of the series.



It makes sense, since both of them have played at an incredible level in this playoffs so far. However, in sports there’s always room for surprise, so let’s take a look at other potential candidates to take the limelight in the NBA Finals.



<h2>4. Bam Adebayo</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230601_BUS_5490_Bam-Adebayo-1-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-5573" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Bam-Adebayo-1-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Bam-Adebayo-1-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Bam-Adebayo-1-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Bam-Adebayo-1.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Megan Briggs/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



While Jimmy Buckets often steals all the headlines, Bam Adebayo does the dirty work to let his teammates have the freedom to shine. The Heat big man plays a pivotal role in both ends of the floor, so he’s definitely a player to watch in this series.



Adebayo, who has been in Miami since the 2017 NBA Draft, is the co-star Butler needed to get here. Ahead of Game 1, the center averages 16.8 PPG, 9.2 RPG and 3.8 APG in this playoffs.



<h2>3. Michael Porter Jr.</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230601_BUS_5490_Michael-Porter-Jr-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-5574" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Michael-Porter-Jr-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Michael-Porter-Jr-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Michael-Porter-Jr-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Michael-Porter-Jr.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Harry How/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



The Joker is without any doubt the biggest reason why the Nuggets got here. However, this is still a team sport, and it would be unfair to overlook the job done by the rest of his teammates.



Jokic’s supporting cast has also been crucial to help Denver reach the Finals. Michael Porter Jr., for instance, averages 8.0 RBS in this postseason, only behind the Serbian star. He’s also the third Nuggets player with the highest PPG average (14.6).



<h2>2. Caleb Martin</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230601_BUS_5490_Caleb-Martin-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-5575" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Caleb-Martin-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Caleb-Martin-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Caleb-Martin-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Caleb-Martin.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Megan Briggs/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



If there’s a Heat player who has taken everyone by surprise this year, that’s Caleb Martin. His story is already well known around the league, he went undrafted in 2019 and was later cut by the Hornets before landing in Miami on a two-way contract.



Eventually, Erik Spoelstra proved to know best. Not only did Martin make the roster, but he also became a key contributor in the starting lineup. His performances in the playoffs have been outstanding so far, especially in the Conference Finals. 



<h2>1. Jamal Murray</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><div><figure class="image"><img loading="lazy" width="1024" height="572" src="https://ds-images.bolavip.com/news/image?src=https://images.bolavip.com/webp/en/full/BUS_20230601_BUS_5490_Jamal-Murray-1024x572.webp&amp;width=1024&amp;height=572" alt="" class="wp-image-5576" srcset="https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Jamal-Murray-1024x572.jpg 1024w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Jamal-Murray-300x168.jpg 300w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Jamal-Murray-768x429.jpg 768w, https://bolavip-us.cms.futbolsitesnetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2023/06/Jamal-Murray.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px"></figure></div><figcaption>Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images</figcaption></figure>



As we’ve said before, to reduce the Nuggets’ chances to Jokic would be unfair to the rest of the team. In this journey, The Joker has had the perfect teammate by his side in the form of Jamal Murray.



Second in PPG (27.7) and APG (6.1) for the Nuggets (only behind the Serbian) in this playoffs, the guard has been playing with a chip on his shoulder lately. So we could definitely have a potential Finals MVP here.

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