Nuggets GM Makes Shocking Comment About Michael Porter Jr.

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Speaking with Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, Denver Nuggets general manager Calvin Booth was asked about the team trading away talented young guard Bones Hyland. In his answer, Booth made a shocking comment about Michael Porter Jr., saying the team could not have two poor defenders who were also focused on themselves.
"I knew you couldn’t have two guys that couldn’t guard, and we couldn’t have two guys that were young and kind of more ‘me guys,’” Booth told O'Connor. “Mike makes $30 million. He’s one of the best shooters in the NBA. So, Bones, there’s no place for you.”
Complimenting Porter's shooting, Booth also got brutally honest about his defense and play style, saying the Nuggets could not have two players like that. It was a very shocking admission from Booth, because while his assessment makes sense, it's not common for a team executive to so bluntly describe a current players deficiencies.
With Hyalnd now with the LA Clippers, the young guard should have an opportunity to be their backup point guard this season. Looking to prove Denver made a mistake by giving up on him so early, Bones projects to be a big piece for the Clippers this season. As for Porter, he definitely has room for improvement defensively, but was a big piece to a Nuggets team that just won it all.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.