2013 NBA Draft: Washington Wizards ‘Leaning’ Towards Drafting Otto Porter

For the Washington Wizards, Georgetown product Otto Porter has always been the “easy” selection. It’s not expected that Porter will be drafted within the first two picks (though it would certainly be fair if he was) so he should be available when the Wizards select third. In addition to being a local product, Porter also fills a gaping need for the Washington franchise who has had a hole at their small forward position for years. It almost makes too much sense for the Wizards to draft Porter, so it was odd when yesterday reports leaked that the Wizards were going to skip over Porter and select UNLV’s Anthony Bennett.

Of course, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with drafting Bennett third overall. While Porter might be the most NBA ready prospect, few (if any) players have more potential promise than that of Bennett. Of course, ‘promise’ is a fickle word, a word that has destroyed not only many players but also many franchises. Because of that, at least according to ESPN, the Wizards are going to go with the safe pick and select Otto Porter third overall in tomorrow’s 2013 NBA Draft:

"While the Wizards have a lot of interest in Anthony Bennett, sources say they are now leaning toward taking Porter at No. 3. He fits a need, fits their culture and, like Oladipo, is viewed as a sure thing by many NBA GMs and scouts."