The Denver Nuggets have been one of the NBA’s most consistent contenders for the last eight seasons. Apart from winning it all in 2023, they have reached the Western Conference Finals once and the semis four times. With the dynamic duo of three-time MVP Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray leading the way, every season began the same way: the Nuggets were going to be a force to be reckoned with.
With Jokic carving up defenses with his scoring and elite playmaking and Murray at his best whenever the game hung in the balance, the Nuggets seemed to make the right plays at the right time every single season.
Advertisement
However, this season felt different. Although Jokic continued to play MVP-caliber basketball and Murray became an All-Star for the first time in his career, the Nuggets looked vulnerable, and that was exceedingly clear in their first-round showdown against the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite not having two starters, Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo, the T-Wolves still bested the Nuggets, 4-2, leaving the Mile High City stunned. Former Denver ace Michael Porter Jr., though, believes that the team might actually miss his services, considering their scoring struggles in the postseason.
MPJ was cheering for the T-Wolves
Speaking on the “Road Trippin'” podcast, the Brooklyn Nets star shared that he keenly watched the Minnesota-Denver series. However, he candidly admitted to rooting for the T-Wolves like a bitter ex-girlfriend.
Advertisement
“I actually spoke about that the other day, where you kind of almost feel somewhat like a hater. Like, I’m watching the game thinking, ‘Man, why am I cheering for the Minnesota Timberwolves like that?'” MPJ said, eliciting laughter from the show’s crew.
After a moment of reflection, Michael shared that he figured out why he felt that way. After all, he was traded to the Nets for Cam Johnson, ending a stellar six-year stint in Denver, during which he played a key role in their 2023 run to the crown.
“I think it’s just human nature,” the 6’10” wingman stressed.
Advertisement
MPJ wanted his friends to do well
Porter Jr. added that he still keeps in touch with some of his former teammates and was saddened to see the Nuggets not be at full strength in the playoffs.
“I wanted one of my guys to do well. I didn’t like that AG was hurt. I didn’t like that Peyton Watson couldn’t do his thing,”MPJ continued. “I was talking to Christian Braun during the series. He hurt his ankle in the first game, and he played through it, similar to how I played through a tough shoulder injury last year. Those are my guys. I wanted them to do well.”
Advertisement
The Nuggets’ offensive struggles were pronounced, as they shot 43.6 percent from the field in the series and could not get anything going in crunch time against an aggressive T-Wolves defense. While it’s futile to cry over spilled milk, having MPJ on the roster would have greatly helped their chances, especially given his penchant for getting buckets regardless of how tight the defense is.
“I guess they might miss me,” Michael said in jest. “I don’t know. Probably not.”
The Nuggets have a lot of work to do in the offseason, starting with negotiating a contract extension for the Joker, who’s eligible to sign a four-year deal worth an estimated $280 million. Outside of that, the front office must also scour the market for players who can come in and maximize Jokic’s incredible gravity.
Advertisement
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on May 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.