Despite criticisms and trade speculation, Michael Porter Jr. looks set to remain a Denver Nugget for the foreseeable future
His unique combination of talent, contract status, and personal connection to ownership makes him a near-untouchable figure in today’s NBA.
As Denver navigates its post-Malone, post-Booth identity, Porter stands as both a symbol of stability and a beacon of future hope. For now, the Mile High City remains his home — and both he and the Nuggets seem comfortable with that arrangement.
In the end, championship legacies are shaped by both what happened and what people believe happened. Michael Porter Jr.’s comments may not have changed the history books, but they’ve certainly reenergized a conversation many thought was fading.
Whether the 2023 title was an easy run or simply efficient domination, one truth remains: the Nuggets got the job done. But in today’s NBA, winning once isn’t enough—you have to prove you can do it again, against the best, with no shortcuts.
And now, more than ever, that’s what fans are going to expect from Michael Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets.
Also Read: Michael Porter Jr.: Bio/Wiki, Career, Relationship, Net Worth 2024 And More
Table of Contents
Michael Porter Jr.’s Honest Admission Sparks NBA Debate
For most of the last two years, Michael Porter Jr. has quietly weathered the noise.1
Ever since the Denver Nuggets lifted the Larry O’Brien Trophy in 2023, there has been a persistent narrative floating around NBA circles: that their title run wasn’t as grueling as most championship journeys.
On Thursday, the narrative gained some unexpected support—from Porter himself.
In a media availability session, the 6-foot-10 forward was asked about how the league has evolved since the Nuggets’ crowning moment. His response, perhaps more candid than intended, raised eyebrows.
“I just think that the league has spread out so evenly. There are so many good teams,” Porter said. “That playoffs that we won that championship, there wasn’t that much of a struggle throughout the playoffs.”
It didn’t take long for social media to erupt with reactions. Critics who had long dubbed Denver’s run as “soft” now felt validated by Porter’s own words.
A Ring Under Scrutiny
Even during the height of the Nuggets’ championship celebration, there were murmurs questioning the legitimacy of their path.
Sure, Denver played excellent team basketball, and Nikola Jokić performed at an MVP level—but the playoff bracket seemed to fall into place a little too perfectly for them.
The Nuggets’ playoff run in 2023 included victories over three play-in teams: the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first round, the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals, and the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals.
Each of those teams had their own storylines, but none were considered dominant entering the postseason.
It’s no surprise that one social media user called it a “Mickey Mouse ring,” a reference to the 2020 Lakers title won in the Orlando bubble, which some fans have also criticized as being easier than usual.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Porter’s comment might have sounded like off-the-cuff honesty, but the stats back it up.
In the 77-year history of the NBA Finals, only four championship teams faced opponents with a lower combined winning percentage than the 2023 Nuggets.
The Nuggets’ playoff opponents had a combined win rate of 53.05%. The only teams with easier runs were all from the 1950s—an era before league expansion, international talent, and the modern playoff format.
While every team can only play who’s in front of them, this data is hard to ignore when assessing the difficulty of Denver’s journey.
Injuries to Opponents: A Key Factor?
Another often-overlooked element in Denver’s 2023 playoff path was the injury status of their opponents. In Round 1, the Timberwolves were without key players Naz Reid and Jaden McDaniels.
In later rounds, the Lakers were fighting internal chemistry issues and aging stars, while the Heat, despite their Cinderella run, were a No. 8 seed that barely made the playoffs.
One fan commented, “’Only because Naz and Jaden were out!’”—a stark reminder that Denver’s dominance came in part due to weakened competition.
Michael Porter Jr.’s Own Struggles Add Fuel
Ironically, Porter himself had a fairly underwhelming NBA Finals.2
He averaged just 9.6 points per game on 38.1% shooting against the Heat, a far cry from the production expected of a starting forward on a championship squad. Critics were quick to point this out following his Thursday remarks.
“Then why did you struggle,” one commenter asked, noting that while the team’s path may have been easier, Porter still didn’t exactly thrive under the brighter lights.
Context Matters: Dominance Is Still Dominance
To be fair, it’s important to put some context around Denver’s run. The Nuggets didn’t just sneak past teams—they dominated. They went 16-4 across four rounds and won every series with convincing margins.
Nikola Jokić was virtually unstoppable, Jamal Murray rediscovered his bubble form, and the role players all stepped up. While the competition may not have been the most elite, the Nuggets played like a team of destiny.
Championships aren’t handed out based on narrative difficulty—they’re won on the court, and Denver left little doubt about who the best team was in 2023.
Michael Porter Jr.’s Honesty: A Double-Edged Sword
One of the more fascinating aspects of Porter’s comments is that they were probably meant to praise the current parity in the NBA.3
His point seemed to be that the league is more competitive now than it was two years ago. Unfortunately, in doing so, he opened a can of worms.
His quote has since gone viral, with users and media outlets dissecting it under a microscope. Intentional or not, Porter may have given critics ammunition to question the Nuggets’ title—something that no teammate wants to do.
Jokic’s Legacy: Fair Game?
Inevitably, this debate has extended to Nikola Jokić. As the Nuggets’ best player and Finals MVP, his legacy is now intertwined with how fans view that championship.
Comments like “He knows Jokic don’t got a real ring” and “Y’all didn’t face a single good healthy team during that run” reflect a growing skepticism.
While Jokić has done more than enough to earn his stripes statistically, legacy discussions are often driven by perception as much as performance.
Sorry Not sorry https://t.co/leDY1PNSnv
— Michael Porter Jr. 🌐 (@MichaelPorterbn) September 30, 2021
A Changing NBA Landscape
Part of what Porter hinted at is also true—the NBA is more competitive now than it has been in years. Superteams are giving way to depth-driven squads, and play-in teams are no longer automatic pushovers.
The 2024 and 2025 playoff pictures are more crowded than ever, with teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder, Sacramento Kings, and Minnesota Timberwolves making legitimate pushes.
Denver may find that repeating as champions is far more difficult than their initial ascent.
A New Chapter for the Nuggets
Whether or not Porter’s comments were poorly worded or refreshingly honest, they serve as a new rallying point.
The Nuggets now have something to prove all over again—not just to opponents, but to the doubters and analysts who believe their 2023 title had an asterisk next to it.
This could be a turning point. Will Denver channel this into motivation and cement their dynasty status? Or will the weight of outside noise disrupt the chemistry that made them special?
Also Read: Michael Porter Jr.: Net Worth 2023, Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Twitter and More
Michael Porter Jr. and the Denver Nuggets
A Relationship Built to Last
The Denver Nuggets have recently gone through a turbulent offseason, firing both head coach Michael Malone and general manager Calvin Booth.
Despite the shakeup, there appears to be one constant amid the chaos — Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ).
The talented forward, known for his size, shooting, and athleticism, is reportedly unlikely to be traded anytime soon, and the reasons go beyond the basketball court.
The Foundation: Porter’s On-Court Value
Michael Porter Jr. is a critical component of Denver’s lineup. At 6-foot-10, he brings elite size to the wing, combined with smooth shooting mechanics and above-average athleticism.
In a league where versatile forwards are prized for their ability to stretch the floor and guard multiple positions, MPJ fits the mold of a modern NBA asset.
Since becoming a starter for the Nuggets, Porter has grown into a dependable scoring option alongside stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
His three-point shooting often spaces the floor for Jokic’s playmaking brilliance, and he has the tools to become a better two-way player if he continues to focus on his defensive effort.
While injuries early in his career raised concerns, Porter has shown resilience, playing through adversity and steadily improving. His physical gifts are undeniable, and his presence makes it hard for defenses to focus solely on Denver’s primary stars.
View this post on Instagram
A Stormy Offseason in Denver
The firing of Malone and Booth sent shockwaves through the NBA community. Both men played instrumental roles in building Denver’s championship-caliber team.
Malone, in particular, helped develop a strong culture and identity, emphasizing unselfishness and discipline.
Booth, as GM, had a sharp eye for player development and value acquisitions.
Removing both of these figures in one swoop signaled a dramatic shift. It begged the question: who’s next? Would other players be moved as part of a larger restructuring?
Surprisingly, Porter’s name surfaced in speculation, not because of poor performance, but because of recent controversial comments and Denver’s changing dynamics. However, that chatter has since been quieted by a more deeply rooted reason for his continued presence in Colorado.
A Unique Connection: Porter and the Kroenke Family
According to NBA insider Marc Stein, one of the key reasons for Porter’s security in Denver is the special connection he shares with the Kroenke family, who own the team.
The bond stems from their shared history at the University of Missouri, where Porter played college basketball and members of the Kroenke family attended as well.
“The Kroenkes have a fondness for Porter that stems from deep ties to their shared alma mater: Missouri,” Stein wrote. “Sources with knowledge of Denver’s thinking have maintained for some time that they struggled to envision ownership ever approving a deal that would send Porter away from the franchise.”
This kind of personal loyalty and alignment between a player and ownership is rare in professional sports. It creates a buffer that shields Porter from being considered a trade chip, even when the basketball logic may leave room for debate.
Michael Porter Jr.’s Criticism and Public Image
Despite his talent, Porter hasn’t been without controversy. His public comments — whether on politics, religion, or personal beliefs — have occasionally sparked backlash.
Some critics argue that his views could be a distraction in a tightly-run locker room.
However, the Nuggets have managed to navigate these moments without major fallout. Porter has stayed focused on basketball, and Denver’s internal leadership has helped maintain team chemistry.
With Malone gone, it remains to be seen how that dynamic evolves, but Porter’s place seems secure regardless.
His teammates have also largely supported him, noting his dedication to winning and personal growth. While public perception can waver, internal respect often matters more — and Porter still has it.
The Contract Factor
Another layer to Porter’s situation is his current contract. In 2021, he signed a five-year max extension worth up to $207 million. That kind of financial commitment can make a player difficult to move, not only due to the size of the contract but the expectations that come with it.
Some teams might hesitate to take on that kind of salary without assurances about Porter’s long-term health and consistency. For the Nuggets, however, they’ve already placed their bet — and ownership seems unwilling to fold.
The size of the contract, coupled with his value as a homegrown talent, means trading Porter would require either a significant return or a complete reset. Neither scenario seems likely in the current climate.
Also Read: Chad Baker-Mazara (Basketball): Who Is He? Bio, Career, Parents, Family and More
