Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is finally returning to the rotation on Friday night against the Phoenix Suns.
Porter had been sidelined since Dec. 29 due to the league's COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols, but ESPN NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski reported he has been activated.
Denver F Michael Porter Jr., will be active and play against the Phoenix Suns tonight, sources tell ESPN. He’s been out in Health and Safety protocol since Dec. 29. He’s averaged 19.5 points and 6.8 rebounds this season.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) January 22, 2021
The 22-year-old's season was off to a strong start before being sidelined due to contact tracing procedures.
Porter averaged 19.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists,, 1.0 steal and 1.5 blocks through the first four games for the Nuggets, all while shooting 56.6 percent from the floor and 42.3 percent from beyond the arc. It seemed he was building on some of the performances that made him a breakout star during the NBA restart in Orlando.
However, Michael Porter Jr. would be forced out due to contact tracing. Unfortunately for MPJ and the Nuggets, he had to then undergo another 14-day quarantine. However, the mandatory period is complete and Porter has been cleared to return to the floor.
Denver will hope Porter's return can inspire some momentum.
The Nuggets are struggling to get the ball rolling out of the gate, opening the season at 7-7 in spite of an MVP-caliber start from All-Star center Nikola Jokic. Denver ranks third in offensive rating but just 24th in defensive rating.
Porter is more renowned for his offensive potential, but his length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions while also affording head coach Mike Malone to go with a number of different rotations.
It is unknown whether Porter will be on a minutes restriction. Regardless, his return is good news for a Nuggets team in need of some consistency.
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