Washington Wizards owner Ted Leonsis, President Ernie Grunfeld, and head coach Scott Brooks, held a press conference on Wednesday to introduce the Wizards’ highest paid player, Otto Porter. Washington matched the Brooklyn Nets’ offer last week.
Last week, the Wizards matched the Brooklyn Nets’ 4-year, $106 million dollar offer sheet to Otto Porter, and announced the re-signing of the 24-year-old, securing an important piece of their core. He now makes more base money than Washington’s leading scorers, John Wall and Bradley Beal.
On Wednesday, the team had the ceremonial press conference, to re-introduce Porter to the media and fans, field questions, and allow Porter to give his thoughts on the new deal.
You can re-watch the press conference here.
There were questions about the money, and being a max player, but more importantly for Porter: He remains home.
“I am so excited to be back,” he said. “This is my hometown… We only go up from here.”
When asked to define a max player, he said the following, courtesy of Candace Buckner of The Washington Post:
Full quote on Otto Porter Jr. on how he'd define a "max contract player." (Ellipses for a few words I couldn't quite make out) pic.twitter.com/LpmYYRErsd
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) July 19, 2017
After posting career-highs in points (13.4), rebounds (6.4) and steals (1.5) as well as field goal, 3-point and free throw percentage, Wizards fans expected nothing less than the max.
Regardless of the amount of money, the fans should be pleased the Wizards are maintaining their core. There are always improvements to be made, but having consistency will make the building process easier.
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President Ernie Grunfeld understands Washington still has needs to fulfill, but he touched on the importance of retaining a player like Otto Porter.
“Otto is the type of player you need on your team,” Grunfeld said. “Someone that is willing to do the dirty work. He’s versatile. He plays more than one position… but the solid improvement he’s made is what really impressed us.”
Porter continues to grow as a dynamic, two-way player, but he does his due diligence off the court as well. He held a clinic for the Dream for Kids organization and McKinley middle school before his press conference this morning.
“I had an amazing time this morning with you guys,” Porter said, “just seeing the smile on your faces.”
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If the Wizards’ season did not put a smile on your face, hopefully, that will. Wizards fans are wishing for more success in the upcoming years and this signing should help. For now, all Washington can do is smile at the return of Otto Porter.