Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards Officially Announce Re-Signing of Otto Porter

By Ryan Eugene

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 4: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards talks to the media during a press conferece after Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 4: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards talks to the media during a press conferece after Game Three of the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Boston Celtics during the 2017 NBA Playoffs on May 4, 2017 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. (Photo by Stephen Gosling/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Washington Wizards small forward Otto Porter is back, officially. The team announced the re-signing Thursday afternoon, and fans, players, and management can move forward, knowing the roster is pretty much intact for next season.

As reported earlier in free agency, the Wizards longer than usual to officially to re-sign restricted free agent Otto Porter. In an effort to tie up the Nets’ cap space, Washington waited two days to match and two days to have Porter take his physical and pass him.

Regardless of the pettiness, Porter is back home in D.C. After having played two seasons in college at Georgetown and four seasons for the Wizards, Otto has now spent 25% with Verizon Center as his home arena. With Washington locking him up for four more years, the bond between Porter and the city will continue.

Wizards President Ernie Grunfeld said in the team’s statement about the re-signing:

"“Otto has developed into a vital part of our young core, which is why we made it clear that our priority was to keep him here to maintain continuity and build on the success of this group heading into next season and beyond,” Grunfeld said. “His versatility, basketball IQ and three-point shooting combine to make him a great fit for us on the floor while his character and work in the community show why we’re so pleased to have him as a cornerstone of our franchise.”"

Fans have of course been conflicted about Porter being the highest paid player on the team at just over $26 million a season, but that’s not Otto’s fault. It’s not like he was going to take less than he could get from another team.oHe earned a max contract, and the cap spiked the last two seasons. People said John Wall and Bradley Beal both didn’t deserve their max contracts. Hopefully Porter can prove the doubters wrong just like the backcourt duo.

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He was historically efficient last year, and to take the next step, the team will need him to be more aggressive, while returning his three point percentage to a rate similar to where it was before the All-Star break.

The Wizards’ press release notes that he “is one of only five players in league history to shoot .500 from the field, .400 from three-point range and .800 from the free throw line in their fourth season (Petrovic, Hornacek, Dumars, Hodges).”

As a 24-year old 6’8″ small forward, his potential is still sky-high. Remember, he’s only been a starter for two seasons.

About the re-signing, Porter added:

"“After two years at Georgetown and four years with the Wizards here in Washington, D.C., I’m excited to be staying home,” said Porter. “I want our great fans to know that I will continue to work hard to improve my game in all areas and I hope to make an even bigger contribution to the Wizards’ success in the future.”"

I’m happy to have the core back, and see how it can improve next season. Not many teams have a core of three players as good as Washington’s who are all under 27 years old.

Next: Wizards Keep Word, Match Otto Porter's Offer Sheet

Welcome back Otto! And yes, the grind never stops!

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