Otto Porter

[dangermouse]

Remember when Otto compared his game to Durant when he was drafted?

And everyone laughed (probably because Vesely compared himself to Blake Griffin when drafted)?

#SoWizard

What did he have in common with Durant?? A lanky, skinny frame and height? He's just a 3&D guy right? He;s just a younger Tayshaun Prince.

But looking at some of his SL games, he's kind of redeeming himself. Some of those buckets, those drives, his touch in the lane, some of those passes, his ball handling that is clearly more advanced than we thought it would be....

That's Durant-esque. I know, I know, its SL. But there is absolutely no reason those skills can't translate to the NBA.

Obviously he hasnt shown the same killer instinct that Durant did, even in his rookie campaign. He's not and probably isnt ever going to be the go-to guy on a team. In SL he left an imprint on every game, he was fantastic and our best player (yeah, i thought he was better than Rice). But he is missing something. Did he defer to Rice and his shot jacking, when maybe he should have taken the reigns of the team? Durant would have.

Right now, I dont think he was wrong when he compared his game to Durant's. But there is that missing dimension that widely separates the two, and barring some sort of miracle, always will.

[Induveca]

Eh, I enjoyed the Wizards success and I'll take Porter and Rice's play for what it is: Necessary but not sufficient factors for success in real NBA minutes.

I mean, there's little chance that they poorly in SL and all of a sudden turn it up in the regular season. However, I don't think anyone is legitimately convinced they're full out gamers. I mean, even Vesely has a decent summer league under his belt and now he's playing in Turkey.

Don't forget Kwame Brown's 27 point outing and dominance in the summer league.

[JWizmentality]

Eh, I enjoyed the Wizards success and I'll take Porter and Rice's play for what it is: Necessary but not sufficient factors for success in real NBA minutes.

I mean, there's little chance that they poorly in SL and all of a sudden turn it up in the regular season. However, I don't think anyone is legitimately convinced they're full out gamers. I mean, even Vesely has a decent summer league under his belt and now he's playing in Turkey.

I disagree. What GRJr and OPJr did in this summer league compared to Jan's "good" summer league is like night and day. All he displayed was that he had slightly improved confidence and could hit an occasional fade away jumper.

The Junior Mafia displayed an arsenal of skills that may, or may not help us this year and were hands down two of the best players. It's just summer league but you can't poo poo it either.

[sfam]

Porter still could be a Kwame Brown-like bust, but SL gave us hope that he might actually reach a potential that got him drafted in the top 10. I'm not seeing HoF here, but I think we can agree that SL gives the team enough confidence to put Porter on the docket to get significant minutes...assuming he performs. But at least Porter can start hearing positive vibes about his game and his potential, which hopefully will help drive him to work his butt off prior the start of the season.

[hands11]

OttoMatic

What do we have to do to get this humped in turning time outs after Otto is blazing the nets.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNi8aW8Nf6s[/youtube]

[hands11]

Remember when Otto compared his game to Durant when he was drafted?

And everyone laughed (probably because Vesely compared himself to Blake Griffin when drafted)?

#SoWizard

What did he have in common with Durant?? A lanky, skinny frame and height? He's just a 3&D guy right? He;s just a younger Tayshaun Prince.

But looking at some of his SL games, he's kind of redeeming himself. Some of those buckets, those drives, his touch in the lane, some of those passes, his ball handling that is clearly more advanced than we thought it would be....

That's Durant-esque. I know, I know, its SL. But there is absolutely no reason those skills can't translate to the NBA.

Obviously he hasnt shown the same killer instinct that Durant did, even in his rookie campaign. He's not and probably isnt ever going to be the go-to guy on a team. In SL he left an imprint on every game, he was fantastic and our best player (yeah, i thought he was better than Rice). But he is missing something. Did he defer to Rice and his shot jacking, when maybe he should have taken the reigns of the team? Durant would have.

Right now, I dont think he was wrong when he compared his game to Durant's. But there is that missing dimension that widely separates the two, and barring some sort of miracle, always will.

Well lets take a look at a rookie KD.

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lXtH9twcQ88[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M-GMOecr2RA[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fuqdpW8r414[/youtube]

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K33LmhSDmZw[/youtube]

[jivelikenice]

Remember when Otto compared his game to Durant when he was drafted?

And everyone laughed (probably because Vesely compared himself to Blake Griffin when drafted)?

#SoWizard

What did he have in common with Durant?? A lanky, skinny frame and height? He's just a 3&D guy right? He;s just a younger Tayshaun Prince.

But looking at some of his SL games, he's kind of redeeming himself. Some of those buckets, those drives, his touch in the lane, some of those passes, his ball handling that is clearly more advanced than we thought it would be....

That's Durant-esque. I know, I know, its SL. But there is absolutely no reason those skills can't translate to the NBA.

Obviously he hasnt shown the same killer instinct that Durant did, even in his rookie campaign. He's not and probably isnt ever going to be the go-to guy on a team. In SL he left an imprint on every game, he was fantastic and our best player (yeah, i thought he was better than Rice). But he is missing something. Did he defer to Rice and his shot jacking, when maybe he should have taken the reigns of the team? Durant would have.

Right now, I dont think he was wrong when he compared his game to Durant's. But there is that missing dimension that widely separates the two, and barring some sort of miracle, always will.

He does flash some KD when he eurosteps into the lane and uses his length to hit a floater.

[Footstompshonie]

Otto does have some KD-esque moves on the court, but something that's very telling is the killer instinct to finish is missing IMO.

And in Summer League of all places is where you should be displaying those kind of traits. Instead of giving up the ball to Glen Rice on several occasions he could have took over to reflect some similar sentiments in this thread.

[DCZards]

Otto does have some KD-esque moves on the court, but something that's very telling is the killer instinct to finish is missing IMO.

And in Summer League of all places is where you should be displaying those kind of traits. Instead of giving up the ball to Glen Rice on several occasions he could have took over to reflect some similar sentiments in this thread.

I understand the view that Otto could have at times been more aggressive during SL. But Otto played just as I've always seen him play at G'Town when he was the best player on the court for the Hoyas. Porter usually looks to facilitate and find teammates for open shots before looking for his own shot. I didn't mind Otto playing that way during SL since that's one of the strengths of his game and the way he'll most likely be asked to play during the regular season.

[fishercob]

What excites me about Otto is that he doesn't need to force things on offense to be really effective. The role we saw from him in summer league is very different from what we're going to see during the season. I think one of the reasons the FO didn't feel the need to keep Ariza at all costs was a high degree of confidence that Otto could do much of what Ariza did (particularly on offense, initially). They've had this guy in the system for a year and have seen him grow in practice. Remember it was Ariza himself who gave props to Otto -- I dont remember the exact choice of words, but something to the effect of "he's already really good" -- in his pubic exit interview.

Part of what made Ariza so good last year is that he took nearly 52% of his shots from beyond the arc and just 25% of his shots came between 3 feet and the 3 point line. I've seen some hand wringing about Pierce not being a great corner three point shooter too. I think Otto is going to thrive shooting that corner 3, and his overall offensive upside given his ballhandling and playmaking abilities significantly exceed's Ariza's. On D, he won't be the player Ariza was last year. But he has the physical and mental tools. Ariza wasn't the defender at 21 that he is now, and I don't think there;s any way to get Otto where he needs to be other than to get him experience.

I think Otto's play is going to make him a beloved Wizard when it's all said and done. Just a feeling.

[Footstompshonie]

Otto does have some KD-esque moves on the court, but something that's very telling is the killer instinct to finish is missing IMO.

And in Summer League of all places is where you should be displaying those kind of traits. Instead of giving up the ball to Glen Rice on several occasions he could have took over to reflect some similar sentiments in this thread.

I understand the view that Otto could have at times been more aggressive during SL. But Otto played just as I've always seen him play at G'Town when he was the best player on the court for the Hoyas. Porter usually looks to facilitate and find teammates for open shots before looking for his own shot. I didn't mind Otto playing that way during SL since that's one of the strengths of his game and the way he'll most likely be asked to play during the regular season.

Understandable, it is true he will play like that in the regular season obviously but I just think he could have been more aggressive.

I'm just worried he'll fall into that trap where in his select minutes he's just giving up the ball too often and not really producing anything on his own.

Next thing you know Glen Rice will take some of his minutes because from what I've seen he takes every opportunity he gets.

[hands11]

Otto does have some KD-esque moves on the court, but something that's very telling is the killer instinct to finish is missing IMO.

And in Summer League of all places is where you should be displaying those kind of traits. Instead of giving up the ball to Glen Rice on several occasions he could have took over to reflect some similar sentiments in this thread.

I understand the view that Otto could have at times been more aggressive during SL. But Otto played just as I've always seen him play at G'Town when he was the best player on the court for the Hoyas. Porter usually looks to facilitate and find teammates for open shots before looking for his own shot. I didn't mind Otto playing that way during SL since that's one of the strengths of his game and the way he'll most likely be asked to play during the regular season.

And it's very important he get to the regular reason healthy. And I don't doubt he was fine with Glen shining more because he needs it more then Otto. And Glen is build more for that contact.

So I agree. Otto did what he needed to do that will translate and fit his role on the team. Once he settles in and get stronger, then he can drive more aggressive. If that is what the team needs from him.

Keep in mind, that SL's WIZ team PG play sucked. Otto was playing SF/PG. TA couldn't do that.

He missed all last year. He isn't going to risk having that happen again.

I think Wall drove under his career norm last year for the same reason.

[SUPERBALLMAN]

Otto does have some KD-esque moves on the court, but something that's very telling is the killer instinct to finish is missing IMO.

And in Summer League of all places is where you should be displaying those kind of traits. Instead of giving up the ball to Glen Rice on several occasions he could have took over to reflect some similar sentiments in this thread.

I understand the view that Otto could have at times been more aggressive during SL. But Otto played just as I've always seen him play at G'Town when he was the best player on the court for the Hoyas. Porter usually looks to facilitate and find teammates for open shots before looking for his own shot. I didn't mind Otto playing that way during SL since that's one of the strengths of his game and the way he'll most likely be asked to play during the regular season.

And it's very important he get to the regular reason healthy. And I don't doubt he was fine with Glen shining more because he needs it more then Otto. And Glen is build more for that contact.

So I agree. Otto did what he needed to do that will translate and fit his role on the team. Once he settles in and get stronger, then he can drive more aggressive. If that is what the team needs from him.

Keep in mind, that SL's WIZ team PG play sucked. Otto was playing SF/PG. TA couldn't do that.

He missed all last year. He isn't going to risk having that happen again.

I think Wall drove under his career norm last year for the same reason.

Now that summer league is done, Otto just needs to spend the next 2 months in the weight room & drinking protein shakes.

[badinage]

his pubic exit interview.

Glad we don't have tape of this.

[montestewart]

Otto does have some KD-esque moves on the court, but something that's very telling is the killer instinct to finish is missing IMO.

And in Summer League of all places is where you should be displaying those kind of traits. Instead of giving up the ball to Glen Rice on several occasions he could have took over to reflect some similar sentiments in this thread.

I understand the view that Otto could have at times been more aggressive during SL. But Otto played just as I've always seen him play at G'Town when he was the best player on the court for the Hoyas. Porter usually looks to facilitate and find teammates for open shots before looking for his own shot. I didn't mind Otto playing that way during SL since that's one of the strengths of his game and the way he'll most likely be asked to play during the regular season.

If the Wizards are angling to use cap space in 2016 for an additional piece (Durant or someone else), OP as a defensive minded, outside shooting, facilitating, efficient team ball player seems a good complement to that vision. I'd prefer that to a Rudy Gay mentality, thinking he can take over games in a manner beyond his actual abilities. If he could become (give or take) a Dino Gallinari-type offensive player who's also something of a defensive stopper, I'd call that quite a success.

[JWizmentality]

His jumpshot is almost identical to Durant's now.

[Kanyewest]

What excites me about Otto is that he doesn't need to force things on offense to be really effective. The role we saw from him in summer league is very different from what we're going to see during the season. I think one of the reasons the FO didn't feel the need to keep Ariza at all costs was a high degree of confidence that Otto could do much of what Ariza did (particularly on offense, initially). They've had this guy in the system for a year and have seen him grow in practice. Remember it was Ariza himself who gave props to Otto -- I dont remember the exact choice of words, but something to the effect of "he's already really good" -- in his pubic exit interview.

Part of what made Ariza so good last year is that he took nearly 52% of his shots from beyond the arc and just 25% of his shots came between 3 feet and the 3 point line. I've seen some hand wringing about Pierce not being a great corner three point shooter too. I think Otto is going to thrive shooting that corner 3, and his overall offensive upside given his ballhandling and playmaking abilities significantly exceed's Ariza's. On D, he won't be the player Ariza was last year. But he has the physical and mental tools. Ariza wasn't the defender at 21 that he is now, and I don't think there;s any way to get Otto where he needs to be other than to get him experience.

I think Otto's play is going to make him a beloved Wizard when it's all said and done. Just a feeling.

I agree that Porter could develop nicely. Still, Ariza was drafted purely for his defensive abilities and that he had great length and lateral quickness. Hopefully, Porter will be solid in time but I'm not expecting him to be elite anytime soon.

[verbal8]

Porter seems a little more suited to producing in real NBA games vs. summer league. So he him being effective in Summer League is more encouraging to me than it would be for the average NBA player/prospect.

[pcbothwel]

Porter seems a little more suited to producing in real NBA games vs. summer league. So he him being effective in Summer League is more encouraging to me than it would be for the average NBA player/prospect.

Exactly,
I dont want to take anything away from GR JR, but Otto seems to be very fluid and confident with the ball. He doesnt seem to 'plan' a move(I.E. Seraphin), but actually looks very instinctual in that he sees an opening and can counter if it closes(I.E. Nene).

[payitforward]

Remember when Otto compared his game to Durant when he was drafted?

And everyone laughed (probably because Vesely compared himself to Blake Griffin when drafted)?

#SoWizard

What did he have in common with Durant?? A lanky, skinny frame and height? He's just a 3&D guy right? He;s just a younger Tayshaun Prince.

But looking at some of his SL games, he's kind of redeeming himself. Some of those buckets, those drives, his touch in the lane, some of those passes, his ball handling that is clearly more advanced than we thought it would be....

That's Durant-esque. I know, I know, its SL. But there is absolutely no reason those skills can't translate to the NBA.

Obviously he hasnt shown the same killer instinct that Durant did, even in his rookie campaign. He's not and probably isnt ever going to be the go-to guy on a team. In SL he left an imprint on every game, he was fantastic and our best player (yeah, i thought he was better than Rice). But he is missing something. Did he defer to Rice and his shot jacking, when maybe he should have taken the reigns of the team? Durant would have.

Right now, I dont think he was wrong when he compared his game to Durant's. But there is that missing dimension that widely separates the two, and barring some sort of miracle, always will.

Oh come on.... Kevin Durant?

First off, take a look at what KD his only college year. Otto, who was good as a freshman and better as a sophomore, was not in KD's productivity range either year -- not even close.

Nor are they all that similar physically, given that at 19 Durant was over 2" taller than Otto, had a 3" wider wingspan, and weighed 17 lbs more than him.

The only similarity (sorta kinda) I can see is that Durant had a very bad rookie year in the league (despite being voted RoY) and so did Otto -- but for totally different reasons!

Love Otto -- he can be a very, very good NBA player, and I have my fingers crossed for him. But "like Kevin Durant"? No, not in any way I can see.