The Golden State Warriors made a concerted effort to upgrade the team’s depth this NBA offseason. Sticking to that plan, numerous veterans were signed to free-agent deals. One familiar face that was brought in was Andre Iguodala, who was a key member of their championship teams.
One new face who has panned out thus far Otto Porter Jr. Porter signed a veteran’s minimum deal as a free agent this offseason, something that seemed unlikely just a few years ago. However, following some injury-plagued seasons in which his production slipped, his value plummeted as well.
In a rotational role with the Warriors, Porter has gotten things back on track. Thus far this season he is averaging 8.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.2 assist per game. He has been efficient shooting the ball as well, making 46.6 percent of his shots and 40.0 percent of his 3-point attempts.
They are not gaudy numbers by any means, but certainly helpful for Golden State as Porter has helped anchor their second unit with 19.8 minutes per game. He has been a willing contributor, doing whatever is asked of him.
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With multiple players sidelined because they are in the league’s health and safety protocols, Porter is in for a larger role for the foreseeable future. In a recent performance against the Sacramento Kings, the Georgetown product had a great all-around game, scoring 12 points with five rebounds and two assists.
The one stat that stood out the most was that Porter recorded four blocks, which was a career-high. Anthony Slater of The Athletic pointed out that Porter has been asked to be more of a rim protector this season playing more in the frontcourt.
It was something that teammate Draymond Green commented on recently as well.
“Otto’s been tremendous in adapting to that role. He rebounds the ball extremely well,” Draymond Green said. “I noticed that at the very beginning of the season. I would tell (Kevon Looney) like, ‘Loon, Otto really rebounds.’ When I first said it to Loon, Loon said, ‘He better, he’s 6’9″!’ And I’m like, ‘Yeah Loon, but you know 6’9″ guys, just because they’re 6’9″ they don’t rebound it.’ … (Porter) grew up his whole life playing the wing, and I think you see that a lot around the league where teams will put a guy in a position to be a big because they have size and they don’t have a clue of the positioning that you need to have, and Otto is making that adjustment with the blocked shots, with the rebounding.”
Having Porter in the fold gives head coach Steve Kerr another versatile player that can fill numerous roles on the team to keep opponents guessing.
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Having the ability to shift into the frontcourt and more than hold his own, Porter is also improving his stock for when he hits free agency again in 2022. He should cash in with a nice pay raise if he continues playing at a high level.
