Can Otto Porter Continue To Shine For Wizards?

By Evan Massey | Oct 18, 2014

Oct 10, 2014; Greenville, SC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) shoots the ball during the second half against the Charlotte Hornets at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. Hornets defeated the Wizards 99-86. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Otto Porter come through in his sophomore season for the Washington Wizards?

The Washington Wizards are heading into a very exciting NBA 2014-15 season, but they will be without rising star shooting guard Bradley Beal, who is out with injury. There are a few players that will need to step up to help shoulder the load, but none more important than second-year player Otto Porter.

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From Bleacher Report:

"Over the Washington Wizards’ last four games, Porter is averaging 14.5 points and 5.3 rebounds on 59.4 percent shooting. He’s been deadly from three (57.1 percent) and has looked impregnable on the defensive end.Bradley Beal’s prolonged absence also ensures his playing time won’t significantly drop from the 25.7 minutes per game he’s getting now."

Porter barely played at all last year in his rookie season with the Wizards, playing in just 37 total regular season games. He averaged 2.1 points and 1.5 rebounds in just 8.6 minutes per game, but continued showing potential in practice. Washington is now faced with having to give him extended minutes early on in his second year, but he looks much more comfortable and ready for the situation.

If the Wizards are going to live up to their potential, they need some help in the back-court for John Wall. Porter is more of a small forward, but he can shoot well and has the ability to handle the ball. He’ll likely see a good chunk of minutes at the shooting guard position, and will be the main replacement for Beal until he returns.

At just 21 years of age, there is a lot of pressure on Porter to perform well in his second year. The Wizards truly believe that he is more than capable of stepping up, but proving that on the court is easier said than done.

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