Denver Nuggets rookie Michael Porter Jr. is slowly showing improvements on his defense in the 2020 NBA playoffs. His dad, Michael Porter Sr., has certainly noticed it and gave his two cents on where his son has grown on that end of the floor.

Related NewsArticle continues below
Nikola Jokic, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder, Denver Nuggets, Michael Malone
Michael Malone sets the record straight on his Nikola Jokic MVP take
Denver Nuggets interim head coach David Adelman during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder during game three of the second round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Ball Arena.
Nuggets’ roster plans revealed amid David Adelman decision

“The biggest part that I’ve seen improvement in is his rotations,” the Porter patriarch said, via Mike Singer of The Denver Post. “I think he’s come a long way in understanding, ‘Ok, yeah, for a minute this is my guy, but once we start rotating, it’s a scramble, and I might be guarding a guy in this corner, but then I gotta show on the roller, tag the roller, and then I might have to get out to the opposite corner to get the shooter.’”

Critics have tagged Michael Porter Jr. as a liability on defense for much of his rookie campaign with the Nuggets. However, it seems like the 22-year old is making strides in that aspect.

Defense is certainly more than just being able to lock up your opponent one-on-one. With all the switching happening on that side, especially in playoff basketball, players need to have the ability to make the right reads and know when to make their rotations on defense.

There's no denying that MPJ is an incredible offensive talent. He has definitely shown flashes of brilliance in the bubble with the Nuggets, especially during the seeding games where he was named to the All-Seeding Games First Team.

If Porter Jr. wants to reach his tantalizing potential as a legitimate star in the NBA, he will need to improve his play on defense. The 6-foot-9 forward certainly has the tools and athleticism to be an elite two-way player in the league. The only question is if the Nuggets youngster can commit himself to it.