Nuggets might have Michael Porter Jr. for opener but shouldn’t rush him back

Denver’s first round draft pick is still recovering from back surgery, but there’s a chance he could be ready for the season opener.

Michael Porter Jr. had the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, but due to health problems, he fell all the way to No. 14 where he was snagged by the Denver Nuggets – a team that has been starved for a franchise-altering player since Carmelo Anthony.

As a freshman at Missouri last season, Porter suffered a lower back injury in the team’s season opener against Iowa State, which required surgery and kept him out for nearly the entire season. Porter’s draft stock took a major hit, which is why numerous teams decided to pass on him. Denver took the chance on draft Porter hoping that he is able to fulfill his superstar potential.

Porter underwent a second operation in July, but if all the stars align and the Nuggets can get a little lucky, he might be ready to go for their season opener against the Los Angeles Clippers.

“I finally feel, like, good,” Porter said on Sunday, according to ESPN’s Chris Forsberg. “I don’t have a date but I’m hoping to be back for the beginning of the year. Gotta heal up, but I feel great.”

Porter only appeared in three games for Missouri last season and only averaged roughly 18 minutes per game, so it’s difficult to predict how his game will translate over to the professional level. It was a gamble by the Nuggets, but it will be worth it if Porter makes a full recovery.

Of course, the Nuggets are wisely being cautious with him and won’t rush him into action.

“I’m able to get on the court a little bit, do some different things,” Porter continued. “But my rehab has definitely been very conservative. They’re really taking it easy with me, being patient with me.”

No need to take any further chances with the kid, but if they catch a little luck and Porter can be on the court for the season opener, it will definitely be exciting for the team and the fans.