Why is mpj not playing

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Michael Porter Jr. (MPJ) is currently not playing due to a back injury that has sidelined him since the 2023-2024 NBA season. He underwent lumbar spine surgery in November 2021, his third back surgery since high school, and has been managing ongoing rehabilitation. The Denver Nuggets have been cautious with his return, prioritizing long-term health over immediate play, with no specific timeline announced for his comeback.

Key Facts

Michael Porter Jr. missed the entire 2021-2022 NBA season after lumbar spine surgery in November 2021
He has undergone three back surgeries total, starting with two in high school that limited his college play to 3 games at Missouri
In the 2023-2024 season, he played 62 games before being sidelined again with back issues
His rookie 2019-2020 season was shortened to 55 games due to back injury
He signed a 5-year, $207 million maximum extension with Denver in 2021 despite injury history

Overview

Michael Porter Jr., commonly referred to as MPJ, is a professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets who has faced significant injury challenges throughout his career. Drafted 14th overall in 2018 despite injury concerns, Porter missed his entire rookie season recovering from back surgery. He showed promise in his 2019-2020 debut, averaging 9.3 points in 55 games, but injuries have consistently interrupted his development. His most recent setback occurred during the 2023-2024 season when back issues resurfaced, leading to his current absence from play. Porter's injury history dates back to high school, where he first underwent back surgery in 2017, then another procedure that limited him to just 3 games at the University of Missouri. The Nuggets have invested heavily in Porter, signing him to a maximum contract extension in 2021 worth $207 million over 5 years, demonstrating their belief in his potential despite the persistent health concerns.

How It Works

Porter's absence stems from chronic back issues, specifically related to his lumbar spine. The mechanism involves degenerative disc problems that require surgical intervention and careful management. His November 2021 surgery was a lumbar microdiscectomy, a procedure that removes portions of herniated disc material to relieve pressure on spinal nerves. Recovery from such surgeries typically involves 3-6 months of rehabilitation, but Porter's case is complicated by his history of multiple procedures. The Nuggets' medical staff implements a conservative approach, monitoring his workload, limiting practice participation, and using advanced imaging to track healing. Return-to-play decisions follow a phased protocol: first achieving pain-free movement, then progressing to individual workouts, non-contact team activities, and finally full participation. The team emphasizes load management, often restricting his minutes even when active to prevent re-injury.

Why It Matters

Porter's absence significantly impacts the Denver Nuggets' championship aspirations, as he provides crucial scoring and floor spacing as a 6'10" forward. When healthy, he averaged 19.0 points per game in the 2020-2021 season with 44.5% three-point shooting, making him a key offensive weapon alongside Nikola Jokić. His situation highlights broader NBA concerns about injury management for young stars with chronic conditions, influencing contract decisions and team-building strategies. For fans and fantasy basketball participants, his status affects game outcomes and roster decisions weekly. Long-term, his career trajectory will inform how teams evaluate players with pre-existing medical issues in drafts and free agency.