Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. progressing toward on-court contact clearance within next week

It was reported two weeks ago that the Denver Nuggets could be getting back two members of their starting lineup in the "not too distant future." It looks like at least one of them is well on his way to returning in March.

ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported Sunday that small forward Michael Porter Jr. was "progressing to be cleared for on-court contact within the next week, freeing a path for him to return to the lineup sometime in March." This information came from Porter Jr.'s agent, Mark Bartelstein of Priority Sports.

Porter Jr. was picked 14th overall by Denver in 2018 but missed the entire 2018-2019 season after undergoing a second back surgery. The former Missouri Tiger averaged 9.3 points, 4.7 rebounds and 16.4 minutes per contest in 55 games (eight starts) during the 2019-20 season and increased his numbers to 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds and 31.3 minutes per game in 61 games (54 starts) last year.

After playing in just nine games this season, it was reported in late November that the 23-year-old was expected to miss the remainder of the campaign and undergo a third back surgery. Porter signed a five-year, $172.5 million contract extension in the offseason.

The Nuggets entered Sunday night tied with the Dallas Mavericks for fifth place in the Western Conference at 35-25.