Denver Nuggets: Michael Porter Jr. is Hopeful to Play After Sustaining Shoulder Injury in Game 2 12 Oct 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) on the bench in the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

'He’s Going to Be Asked to Do Things That’s He’s Never Done Before' – Brooklyn Nets’ Michael Porter Jr. Receives Huge Challenge From Head Coach

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 14, 2025 7:54 AM ET

Michael Porter Jr. recently said that his ceiling has plateaued with the Denver Nuggets, so he’s excited about taking his game to the next level with the Brooklyn Nets, and he’ll get his opportunity.

Brooklyn Nets head coach and former Denver Nuggets assistant Jordi Fernandez is excited to reunite with Porter, and he plans to give him an expanded role, starting this upcoming season.

“He’s excited to be here. I’m excited to reunite with him. We have history together. I loved my time with Michael. He’s going to be asked to do things that he’s never done before,” Fernandez said last weekend about Porter via ClutchPoints’ Erik Slater.

May 4, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) following an injury in the second half against the Minnesota Timberwolves during game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“Like, probably his usage and the shots he’s going to take. And I think that’s exciting. It should be exciting for him. He’s going to work for it. I know the type of person he is. I was very happy to see him face-to-face today,” he added.

Brooklyn Nets News: Jordi Fernandez shares his thoughts on losing Cameron Johnson

The Brooklyn Nets received Michael Porter Jr. and an unprotected 2032 first-round pick in exchange for Cameron Johnson, who has been with the team since 2023, and head coach Jordi Fernandez said he’ll miss the 29-year-old sharpshooter.

Dec 13, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Brooklyn Nets head coach Jordi Fernandez watches during the third quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“You don’t want to see him go, but at the same time, we got a very good player, we got a first-round pick, and he gets to go and play with a team that has a chance to win a championship with the best player in the world. So I’m happy for him,” Fernandez said about Johnson.

“But the NBA keeps going, and we gotta move on. I had a great conversation with him. I really, really appreciate what he did here. I’m excited to see him in the league and try to beat him every time we see him,” he concluded.