Roundtable: Who would help the Nuggets more this season, Jamal Murray or MPJ?

There are 13 games left in the regular season, but it still feels like a lot can change with this Nuggets team before the playoffs. Jamal Murray is in Grand Rapids as we speak to practice with Denver’s G League affiliate. Michael Porter Jr.’s return to the Nuggets’ rotation feels like it’s coming soon. DNVR Nuggets discusses Murray and Porter’s potential impacts throughout the rest of the season, who’s in their playoff circle of trust, and if the Nuggets should chase the 4th seed in the West.

Who do the Nuggets need more this season; Jamal Murray or MPJ?

Adam: Michael Porter Jr.

This might be a hot take but this late in the season, I feel more confident for Porter to work his way back into the rotation seamlessly than I do Jamal Murray. Porter has looked healthier in the practice and pregame workouts that the media has been able to observe. He’s also a lower usage player who, at the very least, can provide some much-needed spacing and three-point shooting.

If Murray is only now testing out his ability to play full-court and 5-on-5, then he is likely at least another week or two away from returning to the team. That would afford him only a handful of games to prepare for playoff intensity and speed. At that point, it is as likely that he would be a disruption to the team’s chemistry and rhythm as it would be that he’d help.

Harrison: Michael Porter Jr.

I have my concerns about both. Murray is coming back from a more significant injury and rehab process, and his ramp-up will naturally be longer. Porter’s defense is probably going to be so bad when he returns that Michael Malone’s going to have a difficult time trusting him to play the game-deciding minutes. If you thought defenses targeted him in the pick-and-roll before, just wait. I settled on Porter because I think he has a higher floor of the two for production. You’d insert a 40% 3-point shooter on a bad day into the rotation that defenses can’t leave when they go to double or triple-team Nikola Jokic. That’s a huge weapon that Jokic and the Nuggets would have at their disposal that they don’t right now.

Brendan: Michael Porter Jr.

Murray is crucial to title hopes, but it’s easier to be hopeful about Porter given the nature of the injuries. Flawed he may be, MPJ is an elite shooter with the potential for rebounding prowess worthy of the same designation. He can step back in and do both things at a higher level than Jeff Green, who has filled in admirably. Neither are great defenders, but the Gordon trade provided more lineup flexibility and Austin Rivers proved himself as a crunch-time option should the defense prove porous at the waterline. I’ve more faith in MPJ to come back and fill a contained role at a high level, though Murray serves a far more important one when healthy.

Which players are in your playoff circle of trust?

Adam: Jokic, Monte, Barton, Gordon, Jeff Green, Rivers are all locks. JaMychal Green, Bryn Forbes, and Boogie Cousins are near locks although there may be matchups that render them less impactful. We saw against the 76ers how Forbes can be a liability against certain rotations, especially if he isn’t making shots.

Bones is the wildcard. I think he deserves his opportunity and I have confidence that he will do well but I would not be surprised if he was item number one on an opposing team’s scouting report and gameplan. Zeke Nnaji was in the circle of trust but this nagging injury has placed him back to square one. Hopefully he will get some reps in before the post-season begins.

Harrison: In order — Jokic, Morris, Gordon, Barton, Jeff Green are definitely in. JaMychal Green has played himself into the circle of trust too over the last few weeks. That’s six players and you probably only need another two to round out a playoff rotation. DeMarcus Cousins and Bones Hyland would be next up. With Cousins, you’re concerned about how often he fouls and if a smaller opposing second unit could play him off the floor. With Hyland (and Bryan Forbes), you’re worried about an opposing point guard like Chris Paul, Donovan Mitchell, Steph Curry or Ja Morant getting him in the pick-and-roll and exploiting that matchup.

Brendan: The starters are all in, though the team defense lies outside the proverbial circle. Cousins and Bones have shown they can rescue and win games, not just steady the bench unit. It’s hard to trust an aging veteran and emerging rookie, but they’ve earned the minutes. My favorite part of this question is how, when applied to Monte, it shines a light on the opportunity he’s seized. Morris didn’t just survive the promotion. He met the moment head-on and proved himself as a starting-caliber player. I trust him that much more for this upcoming run.

How important is it for the Nuggets to chase the 4th seed and homecourt advantage?

Adam: It would be a nice surprise for the Nuggets to win home court but ultimately I don’t think it should be a priority. Avoiding the play-in is the only thing that really matters. A 4-5 matchup against the Mavericks or Jazz will be a grind, regardless of home court advantage. A second round matchup with the Suns would be an awful reward for getting home court advantage and a first round win.

Harrison: It’s not important for this team IMO. The Nuggets closed out the Blazers on the road last season and I think they feel comfortable in any playoff environment with just how many postseason reps the core players on this roster have had. Health is much more important than a potential Game 7 at home in the first round. Plus, you only get that homecourt advantage for one round. I’m prioritizing health over a four seed.

Brendan: I’m not sure chasing the four seed looks any different than trying to avoid the play-in at this point. The back half of the West is a stained battlefield, a war between teams peaking at the right time, and no one can separate. They need to win as many games as possible to finish in fourth. They might need to win them all too to outpace the Wolves.