The Brooklyn Nets told Michael Porter Jr. to steer clear of certain topics on podcasts after stirring up controversies.
So does that mean he won’t say the Nuggets trading him was a bust?
That seems to be the opinion on social media. And it is wrong. Not by statistics, but context.
While MPJ is flourishing as a first option in Brooklyn, averaging 24.2 points per game, five more than his career-best, Cam Johnson is struggling. He sits at 8.6 points per night, 10 shy of his average last season.
The comparison remains unflattering. But it was never a one-for-one. More like four-for-one. By moving Porter’s salary, it cleared the way for the Nuggets to sign Jonas Valanciunas, Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. You know, the entire bench bunch.
There is also something else to consider: The absence of MPJ has created opportunities for Aaron Gordon. He is getting three more shots and two more 3-point attempts per game. His points have inflated from 14.7 last season to a career-best 20.3.
The start to Johnson’s Nuggets career looks similar to Gordon’s. Acquired during the 2020-21 season, Gordon saw his offensive numbers nosedive upon arriving in Denver. He shot 26.6% from beyond the arc in 25 regular-season games, unable to find his footing in that sample size. He figured it out, learning the spacing and mastering cutting to play off Nikola Jokic.
Give Johnson some time. Like until the All-Star break. Everything about his character and his skill set suggests he will adjust and find his niche beyond the arc. He sat at 29.2% from 3 through his first 13 games, and caught fire against the Bulls. He is a stronger defender than Porter, and a better fit for what the Nuggets need now in pursuit of a second championship.
Porter deserves his flowers. He is taking advantage of his opportunity, relishing in his newfound stardom on and off the court. But no matter how many points he scores, this trade was never just about Johnson.
Bill of Goods: Bill Belichick, 73, attending an adult co-ed cheerleader competition was not on the bingo card. But here we are. Belichick showed up to watch 24-year-old girlfriend Jordon Hudson. Good for coach to support Hudson. Just cannot shake the idea that another parent turned to Belichick and asked, “Which one is your granddaughter?”
Rock this way: The biggest challenge for Paul DePodesta, the Rockies president of baseball ops, is not finding a new manager. It is fixing the farm system. Over the past year, the Rockies parted ways with first-round picks Michael Toglia, Ryan Rolison, Riley Pint and Brendan Rodgers. DePodesta will create a draft profile for the Rockies, identifying strengths beyond “looks good when he gets off the bus.” This is where DePodesta must make his greatest impact.
Sack attack: The Broncos boast 49 sacks, the most through 11 games since the 1989 Minnesota Vikings. That Minnesota team finished with 71 in a 16-game season. Chris Doleman led Minnesota with 21, followed by Keith Millard (18) and Al Noga (11.5). As it stands, Nik Bonitto is on pace for 15, ahead of Jonathon Cooper (12) and Zach Allen (nine). If they do not have the luxury of resting starters in the season finale, the Broncos will break the Bears’ single-season record of 72 sacks. But Bonitto needs to get hot again.
Nix Fix: Bo Nix leads the NFL in passing attempts with 387. He will lose that status during the bye week. And that is not a bad thing. The four times Drew Brees paced the league in attempts — 2007, 2008, 2014 and 2016 — Sean Payton’s New Orleans Saints failed to finish with a winning record. The Broncos already have achieved that feat this season. The more balance, the better moving forward.
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