Michael Porter Jr.’s Bold Reflection: Always Expected to Be the NBA’s Best, Even After Beating His Former Team

On January 4, 2026, the Brooklyn Nets pulled off a surprising 127-115 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Barclays Center. The game carried extra weight as it marked Michael Porter Jr.’s (MPJ) first matchup against his former team since being traded to Brooklyn in the offseason. Porter, who spent his first six NBA seasons in Denver and contributed to their 2023 championship, delivered a standout performance with 27 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists. But it was his postgame comments that stole the headlines, as he candidly revealed that he entered the league expecting to become the best player in the NBA—a mindset unchanged despite years of debilitating injuries.

In his on-court interview and subsequent media session, Porter reflected on his journey with remarkable honesty. “My expectation was to be the best player in the NBA,” he said. “Injuries had their way with me… What I’m doing now is not a shock to me. I think that doing it in the way that I’m doing it post-injury, that’s a little bit more what I’m proud of.” These words encapsulate a player who has long carried supreme confidence, now finally unleashing his full potential in a new environment.

The Backstory: From Can’t-Miss Prospect to Injury-Plagued Role Player

Michael Porter Jr.’s NBA story begins with sky-high expectations. As a high school phenom, he was widely regarded as the top recruit in the class of 2017, drawing comparisons to Kevin Durant for his rare combination of size (6’10”), scoring instincts, and shooting touch. Playing for Nathan Hale High School in his senior year, Porter dominated, leading his team to an undefeated season and earning national acclaim. Scouts projected him as a potential No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft.

However, tragedy struck during his lone season at Missouri. Porter suffered a back injury that required microdiscectomy surgery on his L3-L4 spinal discs, limiting him to just three games. The injury concerns caused him to plummet in the draft, falling to the Denver Nuggets at No. 14. The Nuggets, taking a calculated risk on his upside, signed him, but Porter missed his entire rookie season recovering from a second back surgery.

When he finally debuted in the 2019-20 season, flashes of brilliance emerged. Porter showcased elite shooting and scoring ability off the bench, but injuries continued to hamper him. He played only nine games in the 2021-22 season due to another back procedure. Despite these setbacks, Denver rewarded his potential with a five-year, $172 million extension in 2021 (with incentives pushing it toward $207 million).

In Denver, Porter settled into a role as a high-efficiency third or fourth option alongside Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray. He became one of the league’s premier shooters, spacing the floor and punishing defenses that doubled Jokić. His contributions were vital in the Nuggets’ 2023 championship run, where he averaged solid numbers in the playoffs and hit clutch shots. Yet, critics often pointed to his defensive inconsistencies and occasional playoff disappearances, labeling him as a talented but limited complementary piece.

The turning point came in the 2025 offseason. Facing salary cap constraints and a desire to bolster depth, Denver traded Porter and a future first-round pick to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson—a move that allowed them to add veterans like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. Many viewed it as a salary dump, with some calling it one of the decade’s worst trades for the Nets given Porter’s contract and injury history.

A New Chapter in Brooklyn: Unleashing the Star Potential

Fast-forward to the 2025-26 season, and Porter has silenced doubters. Thriving as Brooklyn’s primary scoring option on a rebuilding team, he has posted career highs across the board: averaging around 25.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game on elite efficiency (often north of 50/40/80 shooting splits). In December alone, he torched opponents for over 30 points per game in stretches, earning praise as a League Pass favorite and drawing All-Star buzz.

The Nets, despite a sub-.500 record, have become must-watch TV thanks to Porter’s explosive scoring. No longer deferring to Jokić’s gravity or Murray’s playmaking, MPJ has the green light to hunt shots, create off the dribble, and attack mismatches. His “irrational confidence”—a phrase he’s embraced—has translated into contested threes, mid-range pull-ups, and aggressive drives. Analysts note his usage rate has skyrocketed, yet his efficiency remains top-tier, placing him among the league’s best offensive players per metrics like EPM (Estimated Plus-Minus).

The January 4 game against Denver was circled on Porter’s calendar. Despite missing recent games due to illness, he suited up and dominated a shorthanded Nuggets squad missing Jokić and others. His double-double helped Brooklyn control the game wire-to-wire, exposing Denver’s vulnerabilities without their MVP center.

Postgame, Porter kept it classy toward his former teammates, noting friendships endure despite the business side of basketball. But his comments on expectations carried a subtle edge: he always believed in his superstar ceiling, even when injuries and role limitations in Denver held him back.

Reactions and Implications: Confidence or Arrogance?

Porter’s declaration—”My expectation was to be the best player in the NBA”—sparked immediate debate across NBA circles. Supporters hailed it as the mindset of a elite talent finally freed from constraints. “MPJ always had star potential,” echoed many on social media and podcasts, pointing to his high school dominance and pre-injury projections.

Critics, however, viewed it as overconfidence. Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman (filling in amid injuries) responded diplomatically: “I thought we used him the right way. I’m sure he would disagree with me completely, which is okay. But we won a lot of games doing it that way.” Adelman praised Porter’s growth in Brooklyn, adding it’s “cool to see him have more freedom.”

The trade’s aftermath has been fascinating. Denver boasts one of the league’s best offenses and a strong record despite injuries, bolstered by improved depth. Brooklyn, meanwhile, has a cornerstone in Porter, whose play has flipped narratives about the deal. Trade rumors swirl around MPJ as contenders eye his scoring prowess, but the Nets appear committed to building around him.

Why This Matters: Resilience in the Face of Adversity

At 27, Porter’s story is one of perseverance. Multiple back surgeries could have derailed most careers, yet he’s healthier than ever, playing heavy minutes and delivering consistently. He’s proudest of sustaining excellence post-injury, turning what could have been a cautionary tale into a redemption arc.

His confidence isn’t new—it’s the same belief that made him a top prospect. In Brooklyn, without the shadow of Jokić, he’s proving it on the court. Whether he reaches “best player” status remains debatable in an era dominated by giants like Jokić, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. But Porter’s production—ranking him among the top offensive wings—suggests he’s at least in the conversation for All-NBA honors.

As the season progresses, Porter’s Nets face questions about contending versus rebuilding. Trade speculation persists, with teams like the Clippers or Bucks mentioned as potential suitors. Yet MPJ seems content, embracing his role and silencing skeptics one 30-point outburst at a time.

In beating Denver, Porter didn’t just earn revenge—he reaffirmed his self-belief. “What I’m doing now is not a shock to me,” he said. For a player who once fell from consensus No. 1 to No. 14 due to health scares, that’s the ultimate vindication.

Looking Ahead: Can MPJ Sustain This and Elevate Brooklyn?

The Nets’ future hinges partly on Porter’s health and growth. If he maintains this level, Brooklyn could accelerate their rebuild, pairing him with young talent and draft assets. Defensively, he remains a work in progress, but offensive firepower like his is rare.

For Denver, the trade looks savvy in the short term, freeing resources for depth. But if Porter evolves into a perennial All-Star, questions about letting him go will linger.

Ultimately, Michael Porter Jr.’s postgame reflections remind us why we love the NBA: tales of resilience, confidence, and unrealized potential finally blooming. He may not be the undisputed best yet, but he’s playing like a man who always believed he could be.