The Nuggets need Michael Porter Jr.'s efficiency to improve

Michael Porter Jr.'s efficiency is one of his strongest attributes. He is 26th in career three-point shooting percentage in NBA history and fourth all-time in Denver Nuggets franchise history. His 40.8% from three is among the best in the NBA today. The Nuggets drafted him in 2018 because of his upside and he fits in perfectly with the other starters. His shots have generally complemented Nikola Jokić's passing skills very well. He started the first two games of the season with poor field shots and three. Known for his elite shooting, Porter Jr. needs to improve his game. With his efficiency currently at a career low, he needs to get the ball rolling.

The Nuggets need Michael Porter Jr.'s efficiency to improve

Start with Easy Shots

Porter Jr.'s efficiency has been abysmal since the start of the season. He is shooting 30% from the field in the first two games and 18.8% from three games. He averages 15 shots per game but only 12 points per game. After averaging about 17 points per game over the past two seasons, Porter Jr. needs to turn things around. Averaging fewer points than shots per game is rare in the NBA, especially for an elite shooter.

Since Jokić is one of the best playmakers in the league, he needs to help Porter Jr. get going. Head coach Michael Malone could also help Porter Jr. by designing plays with simple cuts to the basket or kick-outs for open threes. Although many of his shots were open, he didn't take advantage of them. Once he sees some of his shots drop off, he should get back to the elite efficiency he previously demonstrated.

One game could flip the script for Porter Jr. With their upcoming opponent being the Toronto Raptors, who ranked in the bottom ten in both opponents per game and three-point percentage during the 2023-24 season, this is the perfect opportunity for Porter Jr. to get started. The Nuggets should look to get him involved early and often to boost his confidence.

He plays up to his maximum contract

When players impress, teams reward them with a contract worthy of their play. Porter Jr.'s first two seasons in the NBA showcased his elite potential. During the 2020-21 season, he averaged 19.0 points per game on 54.2% shooting from the field and 44.5% from three. All of these numbers are career highlights for him. After playing real NBA minutes for just two seasons, the Nuggets rewarded him with a maximum contract extension that began in the 2022-23 season. He will make nearly $36 million in the 2024-25 season, the same as Oklahoma City Thunder superstar Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.

Porter Jr. helped the Nuggets win their first championship in franchise history in 2023. He did this with his strong defense and elite shooting. Some would argue that this alone makes him live up to his contract, but compared to other players in his salary range, his performance does not match his salary. He has accepted his secondary role alongside three-time MVP Jokic and playoff rising star Jamal Murray. It makes sense that his impact is less than that of his other two max-contract teammates, but he still needs to take advantage of his opportunities efficiently. The Nuggets won't win many games if Porter Jr. shoots inefficiently.

The Nuggets expanded their large contracts by giving Aaron Gordon a contract extension this offseason. A large portion of the Nuggets' salary cap is invested in four players. Porter Jr. needs to honor his contract and carry his weight. Shooting is his strength and he will need to showcase his elite talent from distance for the Nuggets to compete for another championship this season. With the Nuggets' bench already struggling and in need of improvement, it's even more important that Porter Jr. gets the ball rolling sooner rather than later.