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

'We Weren’t as Motivated' – Former Denver Nuggets Star Drops Truth Bomb on Why the Team Failed to Defend Its Title

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Aug 22, 2025 8:11 AM ET

Since winning their first title in franchise history in 2023, the Denver Nuggets have been eliminated in the second round of the playoffs in back-to-back years, and Michael Porter Jr. recently explained the reasons behind their early exits.

According to Porter, losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to free agency was a big blow to the team, and he also admitted that the Denver Nuggets weren’t as motivated to win the Larry O’Brien trophy during their title defense in 2024.

“To repeat and do that again is definitely harder than the first time, because your offseason is shorter. You’re celebrating the championship, you’re probably not taking as good care of your body,” Porter explained on Glory Daze with Johnny Manziel.

Apr 20, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (5) reacts to a three-point shot during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers in game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Wevers-USA TODAY Sports

“I felt like we were focused, but we weren’t as motivated as the year we won it. And then, KCP wasn’t on the team anymore. I felt like that played a big part, and then we lost to Minnesota in game seven,” he added.

Denver Nuggets News: Michael Porter Jr. receives wild text from Nikola Jokic after Brooklyn Nets trade

After spending the first seven years of his NBA career with the Denver Nuggets, Michael Porter Jr. has moved to the Brooklyn Nets, as he was traded in exchange for Cameron Johnson and a future first-rounder.

Apr 14, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) drives to the basket as Memphis Grizzlies guard Scotty Pippen Jr. (1) defends during the first half at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

As he said goodbye to his Denver Nuggets teammates, Porter recently revealed the one advice Nikola Jokic gave him before going to Brooklyn, especially as the former recently opened up about his struggles with dealing with women.

“Wrap it up out there. Make sure you wear a condom out there,” Porter said about Jokic’s text.