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Washington Wizards: Otto Porter’s Power Play

By Jen Julie Smith

WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Verizon Center on February 28, 2016 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - FEBRUARY 28: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards reacts after scoring a three-pointer against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the second half at Verizon Center on February 28, 2016 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 23: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets on October 23, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 23: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets on October 23, 2017 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The Washington Wizards’ Otto Porter, Jr. has been putting in a powerful performance to start the 2017-18 NBA season.

The Washington Wizards‘ Otto Porter, Jr. has been putting on quite the performance to start the 2017-18 NBA season. The small forward has been doing everything asked of him and more. With Markieff Morris sidelined, recovering from hernia surgery, Coach Scott Brooks has moved Porter over to the four.

During the offseason, some fans and members of the media argued, that if the Wizards’ maxed Porter, they would be overpaying the sharpshooter. Just last week, a member of the national media, when the topic of the Wizards came up, said the same thing during a popular sports show.

What’s fascinating about Porter, is that he doesn’t let the outside noise affect his game. Not once did he come out and defend himself over the summer. Rather, he has let his game speak for itself. There’s a quiet dignity surrounding the small forward.

Against the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday, the Wizards’ backcourt struggled during the first half. But Porter didn’t let the altitude or anything else affect his game. He made his shots, and played defense from tipoff to the closing minutes.

There hasn’t been any ebbs and flow to Porter. He has remained steady from the beginning of a game to its end. The discipline that he displays on the floor is quite a thing of beauty.

Three games into the season, Porter’s averaging 18.3 points, 9 rebounds, and 3.7 steals per game. Those steals make up for the lack of defensive intensity sometimes shown by Washington. In addition, he’s almost averaging a double-double.

Had Porter, in addition to Marcin Gortat, not started off the game against Denver strong, most likely the Wizards weren’t winning that matchup.

Porter’s composure on the floor is one of his greatest strengths. It has appeared to rub off on his frontcourt mate, Kelly Oubre, Jr. Oubre who tends to get into early foul trouble during the first quarter, has been able to play through. Most of that is due to Oubre’s own growth, but the steady hand of Porter on the floor certainly helps.

Even when Porter’s called for a foul, his infectious smile just lights up the screen. He appears to be having fun out there on the floor. But at the same time, there’s a single-mindedness to the sharpshooter. His goal is to reach the Eastern Conference Finals, and take out as many teams as he can along the way.

He’s no longer the skinny kid, that wings around the league pushed around. Now it’s Porter who’s playing bang-bang basketball with bigs. He’s putting everyone on notice, that he can shoot from the outside, but also get the drop on the inside.

When Keef returns alongside Porter, opposing wings will take flight.

Porter hasn’t shown the slightest sign of rust. He’s shooting 38 percent from 3-point range, and he’s just warming up. His consistency and confidence will help the Wizards have a deep postseason run.

What Porter has brought to the Wizards this season, you can’t put a price tag on. Once he’s on the floor, Washington has a chance against any team – including Cleveland.

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