Michael Porter Jr.’s debut with the Nuggets draws rave reviews

After a 571-day wait, Michael Porter Jr. finally got to a play in a real basketball game. On Tuesday night, in the Nuggets preseason opener at Portland, he checked into the game during the third quarter, making his debut in a Denver uniform.

Prior to the game, he seemed a bit nervous. The build up, after an entire season on the bench and a Summer League debut that never came to fruition, was immense, making the tension palpable prior to tipoff. Porter was definitely anxious to get on the court.

Everyone was happy for MPJ, especially his teammates!#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/p7Cz4q5TpC

— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) October 9, 2019

In the end, everything went well. Porter looked good, scoring nine points on 4-of-7 shooting and grabbing three rebounds. But more important than the numbers, the 6-foot-10 forward had a spring in his step, seemingly showing no negative effects from the back, knee and foot problems that have sidelined him during most of the past two basketball seasons.

After the game, kudos and comments came in from around the league. And the reviews were overwhelmingly positive.

Damian Lillard sees a bright NBA future ahead of Michael Porter Jr. 🙌#MileHighBasketball #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/3p0WSXZcFj

— Nuggets Nation (@NuggetsNationCP) October 9, 2019

A healthy Michael Porter Jr. could make the Nuggets absolutely TERRIFYING pic.twitter.com/YLKetlNNq6

— Mickstape (@MickstapeShow) October 9, 2019

If MPJ pans out like it looks like he can, Denver is gonna be the favorite for the title pic.twitter.com/eWGye5dT1Y

— BBALLBREAKDOWN (@bballbreakdown) October 9, 2019

if MPJ is as good as he looks right now throughout the season, we might see him become a star on this nuggets team pic.twitter.com/Fp1n15Nxzu

— NBA Real Talk🤭 (@NBAfax4) October 9, 2019

His long-time friend, dating back to their AAU days, was happy to see him back on the court.

Trae Young is happy to see Michael Porter Jr. playing again. 👏🤝#MileHighBasketball #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/UdpLYTzyJo

— Nuggets Nation (@NuggetsNationCP) October 9, 2019

Even his dad chimed in after the game, putting a cap on the night.

Thankful to be in Portland to experience this day with Michael Jr.! Excited for him to have the opportunity to be back on the court, and proud of him for the work he has put in to get here! 💪🏽🙏🏽❤️ pic.twitter.com/BKnRa782C9

— Michael Porter, Sr. (@coachporter8) October 9, 2019

The next step in his recovery from injury and quest to become an integral part of the Nuggets this season is tonight when Denver is in Los Angeles to take on the Clippers.