As the Denver Nuggets enter the 2024 NBA playoffs and try to repeat as champions, there's no question that the team's X-factor is forward Michael Porter Jr.
Porter is capable of taking over games and putting up points in bunches. His ability to create shots and catch fire from anywhere on the court gives Denver an upper hand over other Western-Conference contenders such as the Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder. He's a terrific third option alongside Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray.
However, his hyper-aggressive style of play can also backfire and hurt the Nuggets at times. Porter will sometimes settle for tough shots rather than finding a teammate for an easier look.
Porter's season-long splits reflect his up-and-down play. He has terrific months like March, when he averaged 18.7 points while shooting 56.2% from the field and 46.8% from three. Then, he has down months like April, when he's averaging just 15.5 points while shooting 40.2% from the field and 33.3% from three.
The 25-year-old’s unwavering aggression on the offensive end has drawn all sorts of feedback from social media. Some mock Porter for taking away opportunities from his star teammates, Jokic and Murray, while others argue that he plays an integral role in the Nuggets’ success.
The latter crowd would point to the fact that Porter just broke Denver’s franchise record for made 3-pointers in a season, with 218. Also, it's rare to see Porter score fewer than 10 points a game, as it's happened just 14 times in 80 appearances this season.
It hasn’t been an easy year for Porter, as his brother, Jontay, is involved in a massive betting scandal. While there's some concern that his attention may be focused on his brother’s issues rather than the playoffs, Porter is no stranger to fighting past adversity, overcoming multiple severe injuries throughout his basketball career.
Despite the drama, Porter is having another successful season, averaging 16.8 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 48.5% from the field and nearly 40% from 3-point range. Since the All-Star break, he's been even better, averaging 18.6 points on 51.2% shooting.
An X-factor is defined as a “person that has a strong but unpredictable influence,” according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. This is a near-perfect description of Porter entering the 2024 NBA playoffs.
