The most surprising player from each NBA team this season
By Connor Learn
Washington Wizards: Otto Porter
The Washington Wizards went local with the third pick of the 2013 NBA Draft and selected Otto Porter from Georgetown. Porter was considered to be one of the most pro ready players in the draft; an answer on the wing for years to come. The 6-foot-8 Porter teamed up with John Wall and Brad Beal to help form a promising trio in Washington. Many thought that he could contend for rookie of the year, but those people were in for a surprise.
Otto Porter averaged 8.6 minutes per game during his first NBA season. He wasn’t needed behind veteran Trevor Ariza, and took the year to learn. The Wizards acquired Paul Pierce prior to his second season and Porter became his main backup and learned from the veteran. However, his shooting numbers were poor and he was failing to live up to his top three hype. Porter responded to his critics by becoming a starter in year three of his career and played solid, but unspectacular basketball.
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There is a case for Otto Porter to win Most Improved Player this season. The young swingman has elevated his nightly averages to 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds, which continues a trend of improvement that is good. What is notable is Porter’s shooting. An average shooter last year, he is leading all shooters, making 46.3 percent of his 3-pointers this season — a jump of 10 percentage points. His newfound deadly shot has opened up the floor for other Wizards to shine. It’s his improved play, as well as others, that has helped propel Washington up to third in the NBA’s Eastern Conference.