This Thanksgiving, the Washington Wizards should give thanks for having one of the best-kept secrets in the NBA: Otto Porter, Jr.
As we all reflect on what means the most in our lives this Thanksgiving, let us not forget the unsung heroes.
Washington Wizards fans will most certainly take this opportunity to be appreciative of a young, budding franchise featuring bona fide stars John Wall and Bradley Beal. And they should. It’s a privilege to watch them grow and dominate together.
This is also a perfect time, however, to keep Otto Porter Jr. in those same Turkey Day prayers.
He’s not the superstar talent of a Wall or Beal, but he’s just as important to the team’s future. That’s why Wizards’ owner Ted Leonsis signed off on a huge contract, to keep his services.
Here’s what he had to say about Porter during the max-contract signing in July:
"“There’s one basketball and there’s a pecking order and John has the ball, and Bradley can make his own shot, and why we think this works is Otto fits. [He] doesn’t need the ball and we like his game the way it is.”"
Coming off a career season, the fifth-year forward is confidently improving every aspect of his game. He’s the quintessential complementary piece to the Wall-Beal backcourt.
There are three aspects of his game that make him a great fit for the future in Washington.
3-and-D Player
Coming out of Georgetown, Porter used his lanky 6-foot-8 frame to guard opposing wings. This is how he saw the floor early on. Fast forward a couple of years, and he improves his offensive game so much so, that he ranked among the league’s best 3-point shooters in 2016.
This season, he’s continuing to display his unique skill sets on both ends of the floor. Porter’s the Wizards best outside threat this year, shooting nearly 48 percent from deep. More importantly, he makes big shots when the team needs him.
Here’s a huge fourth-quarter shot in a close loss to the defending champs last month:
Even though his offensive game is taking off, Porter hasn’t neglected his best attribute: defense.
He’s still using his length and quick hands to contain the league’s best wing players. Always a threat to disrupt the passing lanes, he’s collected 1.8 steals per game this season. His 100.3 defensive rating is the best of his career. His 8.8 net rating is the highest on the team.
Whether it’s his ability to guard his man chest-to-chest or switch on ball screens, Porter makes it tough for forwards and guards to get into a rhythm. His elite play on both ends makes him one of the best 3-and-D players in the league.
Consistency
Washington has been all over the place so far this season and is in the midst of a 10-7 start. They’re seventh in the Eastern Conference because of mystifying displays of inconsistency.
Porter has been one of the steadiest players on the team in the early going. He’s had only one game in which his true shooting percentage dipped below 50. His plus/minus rating has been negative in just three games. According to NBA.com stats, the only forwards that have both a higher player impact and net rating, are Kevin Durant and Al Horford.
These are underrated accomplishments, especially to a team still looking to establish it’s identity. For Washington, it’s reassuring to know Porter will bring his game with him on a nightly basis.
In fact, a viable argument could be made that he should assert himself more offensively (17 percent usage rate) for the team to reach their max potential.
Rebounding
The Wizards rank near the top of the league in rebounding so far. Porter is a huge part of that success as he’s improved his rebounding to a career-high 7.1 per game. He’s had five double-doubles so far this season, and is further cementing his claim as one of the emerging premier wing players in the game.
Only LeBron James hauls in more rebounds at the small forward position, according to ESPN.com stats.
Porter isn’t a fan of the notoriety and attention that comes with a max contract. He has an even keel personality and his game matches that. Typically, analytics didn’t quantify his impact on an emerging Wizards team. As his game progresses, however, the numbers are starting to catch up to the talent and effort. It’s hard to find a weakness in his game nowadays.
There’s never been a more appropriate day to express thanks for Otto Porter, Jr.