The Nuggets posed as one of the most complete teams in the postseason with a deep roster. Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray, at the top, took care of the business in the intense semi-final series against the Timberwolves. But the duo didn’t get the necessary support from the rest of the starting lineup. Especially in Game 7, the dominant duo put together 69 points while the rest dropped just 16. Michael Porter Jr., who dropped only 7 points, angered many.

In the latest episode of Gil’s Arena, the usual crew sat down for the post-game analysis. The host pointed out the Nuggets’ inability to define the title and asked, “What are the biggest issues that Nuggets need to address?” raising another banner on their rafter. Rashad McCants immediately said, “Michael Porter Jr.,” along with a few NFSW words. He said, “Move the f**k around… I am tired of you not showing up. Every year he posed to be ‘that guy'”. 

He further went on to take a dig at the Washington Wizards forward, saying, “Go be Kyle Kuzma somewhere.” The Lakers traded out Kuzma after four seasons with him and he found himself as the centerpiece of the Wizards side.

However, Gilbert Arenas immediately didn’t agree with McCants and raised concerns about their bench players. The former player again countered saying that the Nuggets have a deep roster. Nevertheless, looking into McCants’ claim of Porter Jr., not “showing up” in the playoff, the 25-year-old did have a problem in the postseason.

Starting with the first-round series against the Lakers, he put up a grand show averaging 22.8 points with a high score of 27. Notably, he sunk at an average of 4 three-pointers per game. Whereas in the Wolves series, he was nowhere to be found, averaging 10.7 points, with only two games with double-digit scores. Along with that, he could make only 1.9 three-pointers per game. McCants indeed had a point.

Will the Nuggets drop Michael Porter Jr. to further strengthen their roster?

The possibility of the Nuggets pulling off that move is zero to nothing. The Mile High City is already dominant and stronger than most teams in the league. Moreover, the team has envisioned a long plan for Porter Jr. During the 2022-23 season, the team signed a 5-year contract with the sharpshooter for $179 million. The contract will run until the 2026-27 season.

The team wouldn’t just drop him after he’s signed a long-term deal. However, the star has put up a great show for the Nuggets as a supporting cast. While Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray took care of orchestrating and making most of the buckets, Porter’s job was restricted to catch-and-shoot and play defense.

Porter Jr., in this regular season, dropped 16.7 points, playing 81 games. Indeed, a great number for a supporting cast, he also dropped a season-high score of 34 points against the Knicks. If the Nuggets are adamant about a replacement with a similar catch-and-shoot cadre, they can fish Klay Thompson, who is in free agency.

At the same time, the Nuggets don’t have to take the semi-final defeat as a drawback on their side because they lost to an equally dominant team. MJ’s Bulls won their first ring after losing three times to the Bad Boys Pistons in the late 80s. Similarly, the Nuggets can go with their same roster and back their players.

Will the Nuggets back Michael Porter Jr.? Let us know in the comments.