Brooklyn Nets forward Michael Porter Jr. has sparked discussion by promising to use a new shooting form he learned from a popular streamer. The former NBA champion experimented with the technique during a workout with streamer N3on in New York City. This comes as the Nets, who are 1W-4L in their last five games, search for any edge to reverse their fortunes after a 125-108 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on April 11.
Michael Porter Jr. and N3on worked out together at the Summit court in New York. They practiced jump shots, and MPJ was initially skeptical of the streamer's unorthodox form. N3on's motion involved a unique hand-switching technique that caught Porter's attention. "Why are you doing that? Are you seeing what he's doing? You're shooting with your right, then switching with your left," Porter said during the stream.
His curiosity quickly turned to admiration after trying it himself. Porter found he was making shots with the new motion almost instantly in the open gym. "That's nice, actually. Let me see that. I kinda like it. I might switch my jumper to that," he added. The ease with which he adapted to a brand-new shooting motion was notable, even in an undefended practice setting.
As the projected first offensive option for the Brooklyn Nets, Porter Jr. will carry a heavy scoring load. Any potential improvement in efficiency is worth exploring. He is a career 39.8% shooter from three-point range, which is already a strong mark. However, the team's offensive struggles have been evident during their recent 1W-4L stretch, which includes losses to the Bucks, Pacers, and Hornets.
Changing a shooting form is a major decision for any professional. Players spend years refining their mechanics. It's typically only considered when a player is in a significant slump. For Porter, whose shot isn't broken, the upside might be limited. But the experiment shows he's actively looking for ways to get better. The Nets need all the scoring they can get after putting up just 94 points in a loss to Indiana on April 9.
It is highly unlikely Michael Porter Jr. will permanently adopt N3on's shooting form in NBA games. The risk of disrupting a reliable shot for an unproven method is too great. Professional shooters don't overhaul their motion on a whim. There is precedent, like Lonzo Ball improving after a change, but those cases are rare.
For now, this appears to be an interesting off-court experiment. The real test for Porter and the Nets will be translating any minor adjustments into wins. The team's schedule doesn't get easier, and fans can track upcoming challenges on our schedule page. His primary focus will be on helping the Nets snap their two-game losing streak and build on their sole recent win, a 96-90 victory over Milwaukee on April 7.
The immediate concern is correcting their form after a difficult period. The data shows a team struggling for consistency. Following the April 11 defeat, their record in the last five stands at one win and four losses.
Michael Porter Jr.'s scoring will be vital for a turnaround. Whether he uses a new form or his trusted one, the Nets need his points. The team must find more offensive rhythm after the 117-86 loss to Charlotte on March 31. Porter's willingness to experiment, even playfully, shows an engaged mindset. The Nets hope that mindset leads to more made shots and, most importantly, more wins soon.
