Michael Porter Jr., the talented 6-foot-10 forward, has expressed his eagerness to share the spotlight with Brooklyn Nets’ rising star Cam Thomas. As Porter transitions from the Denver Nuggets to the Nets, he acknowledges the challenges that come with playing in New York, particularly during his previous encounters with the city’s NBA teams.
Last season, Porter put up efficient scoring numbers for the Nuggets, coming in at third across the board. He trailed only two-time MVP Nikola Jokic and star player Jamal Murray. In those 30 games, he averaged 18.2 points on an efficient 50.4% from the field and 39.5% from the three-point arc. He plays like an elite shooter, creating a highly impressive shot profile. Combined with his skills as a fantastic rebounder and cutter, he rounds out as a must-have piece for Brooklyn.
Porter stressed, “I believe that’s been huge for me. He was speaking about how elevating his offensive game in the summer pickup games without Jokic and Murray really affected him. That preparation period made him feel a bit more comfortable as he joined a new team.
On the ground in Brooklyn, he serves alongside Thomas. Last season, Thomas tore it up, averaging 24 points per game on an impressive 58 percent true shooting for Brooklyn. Like everybody else, Thomas was hit with reality, playing just 25 games thanks to a left hamstring tear. After a tough go of it last season, he’s looking to bounce back this year. Now he’s stuck with a one-year qualifying offer of $6 million after losing his chance at a multi-year contract.
Sean Marks, the Nets’ general manager, expressed his appreciation for Thomas’ work ethic this summer. He suggested that the promising young guard is up to the task for what will (hopefully) be a more normal NBA season.
Jordi Fernandez, the head coach, who has a prior relationship with Porter, is optimistic about integrating him into the Nets’ system. I, of course, have my own previous relationship with him and that is what has really helped me. It just makes all the other stuff a bit easier,” he said. “I am going to ask him to do things he’s never done before and for those reasons I think he’s up for the challenge.”
Fernandez went on to elaborate on Porter’s potential, adding, “He’s an elite shooter… He’s a great rebounder and great cutter. It’s about time Porter’s skills got the recognition they deserve. He has a deep conviction that he’s been “wildly and dramatically underappreciated” for his capacity to put a team on his back offensively.
Porter is finding his new normal in Brooklyn and making beautiful music with Thomas. Collectively, they are all uniquely positioned to make impactful plays that should boost the Nets’ playoff hopes this season. How new stars Tyrese Haliburton and Myles Turner operate together will be key as they look to carve out their place in a deep, talented and varied Eastern Conference.
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