Michael Porter Jr. saw an inconsistent role with the Denver Nuggets in his first action with the team last season, but he has high hopes for himself this season. Following his technical rookie season, Porter revealed his bold goals for the 2020-21 season.

“It’s something that I’m taking head-on, and it’s something I want to do,” Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. said Saturday during a Zoom call with reporters, via Sean Keeler of the Denver Post. “I want to be one of the best players (on the floor) and I want to guard the best players. And I want the best players on the other team to guard me. So it’s a challenge that I’m going to take on. And I’m looking forward to it.”

During the shortened season in 2019-20, Porter saw only 16.4 minutes per game, with his role mainly being centered around him coming off of the bench. The former No. 14 overall pick would average 9.3 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in the 55 regular-season games in which he played.

He would then have an increased role in the playoffs, receiving 23.7 minutes per game in the postseason. While the Nuggets advanced to the Western Conference Finals, Porter would record 11.4 points and 6.7 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

Despite having a bench role last season, Porter would love to get the nod as a starter in the upcoming season.

“I would love to start,” said Porter, who averaged 9.3 points, 4.7 boards and 1.1 treys in 55 regular-season games but netted 22.0 points, 8.6 rebounds and 2.7 threes per game in Orlando prior to the postseason. “Obviously, nothing is given to you, you’ve got to earn it. But yes, I’d love to be the starter.”

Earlier in the offseason, the Nuggets decided to bring back Paul Millsap on a one-year deal. Even though he may begin the season off of the bench, Porter is hoping to show Mike Malone that he can reach his potential as a starter.