Otto Porter Part 2

[hands11]

This is an earnest question. What is the sentiment on the board now about Porter vs Noel. Are we now happier to have Porter? He does seem like an excellent long term piece with Wall and Beal, but the sample size is small.

lets wait until the playoff are over. We are about to gather some really important information.

I will still wait until then. Why predict when we are getting great intel right now.

And when the playoff are over and we can better evaluate him. It will only be what frog jumped last. Noel only had one year on a crap team.. It would be a unfair comparison.

But what we will know better is, was Otto a solid pick for this team. I think most felt he was on draft night and still feel that way.
Even if they had other ideas, Otto was never a bad pick. He was a solid safe pick that made sense.

My take. Not knowing what TA would do. Having the Ves pick not work out. They needed to hit on this one because they wouldn't be back that high for a while. You can miss on 1 of 4. You can't miss on 2 of 4 top picks. So most here weren't shocked they took him.

Anyone that gave up on Otto was just more of the same impatience from people that are inpatient. Nothing new.

Compare to Noel ? Now ? Makes little sense to do that. I mean, no better then doing it draft night really. Its a conversation better had in a couple years. Unless Otto goes super nova in these playoffs.

Its more likely to take a few more years to really know.

[Illmatic12]

No way I'm trading a 21 yo OP for anything less than a bona fide 1st tier star.
The Zards should definitely hold onto the Wall-Beal-Porter 1-2-3 for the next
couple years.

That's an exaggeration, I'd trade him for a player like Ibaka, Millsap

But none of that is on the table obviously. I think Otto can be a good starter in DC for a really long time

[NiteOwl]

3 good playoff games is nowhere near enough of a sample size to be relevant. Step in the right direction...sure, but he could go right back into his turtle shell next season. Beal was huge in last years playoffs and we didn't see that player more than a half dozen or so times all season. The glass is half full perspective is that both players are super-young and will continue to mature into much more consistent version of their recent playoff selves, which I happen to support. Bottom line IMO is this team needs a stud PF that can score in the post in crunch time if it wants to vault into legitimate title contenders. Porter and Beal are very nice pieces but an inside(out) big on the level of Wall is necessary to reach the upper echelon. Wiz will have the cap space to get one, let's hope one wants to come to DC.

[hands11]

In case anyone is interesting in how PP and Otto are stacking up against other SF shooting 3s

http://espn.go.com/nba/statistics/player/_/stat/scoring-per-game/sort/threePointFieldGoalPct/position/small-forwards

[sfam]

This is an earnest question. What is the sentiment on the board now about Porter vs Noel. Are we now happier to have Porter? He does seem like an excellent long term piece with Wall and Beal, but the sample size is small.

I love seeing Porter's evolution. He's really stepped up and has shown flashes of being a solid compliment to Beal and Wall. That said, I think I'd still draft Noel as I think his ceiling is lots higher at a harder position to fill. I don't feel as bad about us getting Porter though, especially considering Wall's chemistry with Gortat. Both still need time to develop. This is a good question to check in on every year or so.

[Wizardspride]

Check this out

http://www.bulletsforever.com/2015/4/25 ... te-sportvu



Otto Porter is DeMar DeRozan's kryptonite when he's shooting

[keynote]

Every playoff game, Otto's shown another wrinkle. In Game 1, he displayed shut-down defensive ability. In Game 2, he stepped up on the boards and hit a few Js from the perimeter. In Game 3, he took it to the hole twice -- once finishing through contact from Jonas.

Otto's shown flashes of defense and a wet J before, but Game 3 was the first time I've seen him drive to the hole and finish at the rim twice in a game.

[keynote]

Casey on Porter:

http://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/ ... p4-3582139

[theboomking]

Bottom line IMO is this team needs a stud PF that can score in the post in crunch time if it wants to vault into legitimate title contenders. Porter and Beal are very nice pieces but an inside(out) big on the level of Wall is necessary to reach the upper echelon.

That's a lot to ask isn't it? An inside out big on the level of Wall? Who are the bigs that might be or have ever been on Wall's level? LMA, Duncan, Marc and Pao Gasol, Anthony Davis, DMC,Kevin Love, Blake Griffin,Noah,Dwight Howard? That isn't a long list and.it of those guys are long in the tooth. The others aren't liky to become available. Perhaps the most likely is Love?

Like a lot of us, I am feeling like the development of Porter may be the most important thing for our franchise. If Porter pans out, that gives us a core of 3 young talented players. Defensive centers can be had for not that much. The price wasn't too high for Asik, Mozgov, or even Gortat. We can get another once Gortat ages out. Unless someone truly elite comes available, like Love or Durant, our best hope is to sign or draft a good stretch 4, and the hope that at some point Beal or Porter make a huge jump.

[dckingsfan]

I actually think the most important thing this team needs to move forward is a SG with handles. Someone who can break down the defense but still hit the 3. I am not fully convinced Beal is that guy. But, he is only 21 - so he needs more time.

I think a good rebound stretch 4 is fine along with Gortat.

[lastemp3ror]

I actually think the most important thing this team needs to move forward is a SG with handles. Someone who can break down the defense but still hit the 3. I am not fully convinced Beal is that guy. But, he is only 21 - so he needs more time.

I think a good rebound stretch 4 is fine along with Gortat.

My impatience with Porter has shown me that I need to be more patient with Beal, especially considering his age. I think next year will be a big year for him.

I am super happy with Porter right now. He hit two very clutch and contested threes the other night. His defense is very good as well. However I need to temper my expectations since I also thought that Harrison Barnes had a coming out party two years ago in the playoffs but it wasn't real. So I hope that isn't the case with Porter.

Next year he should at least be our 6th man, but probably soaking the majority of the SF minutes with stints at SG.

[dckingsfan]

I actually think the most important thing this team needs to move forward is a SG with handles. Someone who can break down the defense but still hit the 3. I am not fully convinced Beal is that guy. But, he is only 21 - so he needs more time.

I think a good rebound stretch 4 is fine along with Gortat.

My impatience with Porter has shown me that I need to be more patient with Beal, especially considering his age. I think next year will be a big year for him.

I am super happy with Porter right now. He hit two very clutch and contested threes the other night. His defense is very good as well. However I need to temper my expectations since I also thought that Harrison Barnes had a coming out party two years ago in the playoffs but it wasn't real. So I hope that isn't the case with Porter.

Next year he should at least be our 6th man, but probably soaking the majority of the SF minutes with stints at SG.

Agreed, patience on both is a key. Wall was the same way. I do think Porter needs to start next year - rip the bandage off and start Wall/Beal/Porter. And no SG minutes for Porter - guess we will get to disagree on that one

[dobrojim]

Harrison Barnes underachieved in college. Porter was Big East POY. Barnes is still underachieving although he
is not a horrible player. I like Porter's mental makeup better, especially under the tutelage of Pierce.

[stevemcqueen1]

Thank God we signed Paul Pierce. You actually had a moment where DeRozan complained about Otto trash talking him. Otto!! Pierce's leadership and attitude is what we desperately needed. Otto and Beal are totally different in their on court demeanor now. They are playing with ferocity.

[hands11]

Every playoff game, Otto's shown another wrinkle. In Game 1, he displayed shut-down defensive ability. In Game 2, he stepped up on the boards and hit a few Js from the perimeter. In Game 3, he took it to the hole twice -- once finishing through contact from Jonas.

Otto's shown flashes of defense and a wet J before, but Game 3 was the first time I've seen him drive to the hole and finish at the rim twice in a game.

I just went to review his highlight video to see what you were talking about because i didn't remember him driving like you said. What I found was twice he cut, was feed by Wall and he took a dribble and finished. I guess you can call that a drive technically. The reason I wanted to confirm this is because that is something I have posted about regarding him. If/when he adds the ability to drive to his game, then the bar gets raised. For me, that wasn't the kind of drive I was thinking of, but its nice to see. I'm thinking a drive as in multiple dribble and breaking down a player. For now, doing what he did was nice.

But what I'm really wanting to see is for him to find a crease, drive it hard to dunk it on someone or even the same thing he just did but finishing over someone with a statement dunk.

Anything close to this will do

[youtube]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2SYmae9FhkQ[/youtube]

A would think the bigger call out for him in Game 3 was him taking those 2 huge 3s down the stretch when the game was still in the balance. Those two 3s ball were huge and set up the PP threes that iced the game.

[NiteOwl]

Bottom line IMO is this team needs a stud PF that can score in the post in crunch time if it wants to vault into legitimate title contenders. Porter and Beal are very nice pieces but an inside(out) big on the level of Wall is necessary to reach the upper echelon.

That's a lot to ask isn't it? An inside out big on the level of Wall? Who are the bigs that might be or have ever been on Wall's level? LMA, Duncan, Marc and Pao Gasol, Anthony Davis, DMC,Kevin Love, Blake Griffin,Noah,Dwight Howard? That isn't a long list and.it of those guys are long in the tooth. The others aren't liky to become available. Perhaps the most likely is Love?

Like a lot of us, I am feeling like the development of Porter may be the most important thing for our franchise. If Porter pans out, that gives us a core of 3 young talented players. Defensive centers can be had for not that much. The price wasn't too high for Asik, Mozgov, or even Gortat. We can get another once Gortat ages out. Unless someone truly elite comes available, like Love or Durant, our best hope is to sign or draft a good stretch 4, and the hope that at some point Beal or Porter make a huge jump.

I completely agree. I just think that to get past the 2nd round/conference finals loser treadmill will require an all-star at the 4/5. I think there is a slight chance that Beal can become that crunch time scorer, but not likely. Wall needs to continue to attack the rim late in games. Quit settling for his average at best mid-range jumper when he can blow by 99% of the players that guard him. If you have the option of an aggressive Wall and someone on the inside that commands a double-team to go with Beal and another quality 3-pt shooter you are getting to the point where the finals is realistic. I just don't see that happening with someone like a Paul Milsap level 4. Would he improve the team...yes but not put us over the top. On your list, DMC may be the most available and realistic option if that whack-a-doodle owner in Sac-town continues to pull the strings. I would send Gortat, Beal or Porter and a 1st for DMC. Wing players can be found, stud 4/5s are quite rare as your list illustrates.

Even if no moves of consequence occur this off-season this will continue to be fun team to watch. Going to the game today in an employer provided box - hope we steamroll those Canucks!

[hands11]

Casey on Porter:

http://www.nba.com/raptors/video/teams/raptors/2015/04/25/NBAWEB150425CASEYmp4-3582139

I think TOR is going to keep him as HC. Honestly, he seems like a solid enough coach for where that team is right now. Kind of reminds me of the Wizards. They are still learning and still putting together their core. He seems to know what he is talking about and he is an effective communicator. This wasn't their year. Look at their cap and the dead weight they have.

While its 3-0, I think this has been a closer series then that. Wizards just have better top end talent, better vet experience and our front court is more developed with Gortat and Nene vs Val and what... Hansbourgh. And our secret weapon Otto has effected their best player D Ros

TOR should stay the course. Move Ross to back up SG. Get Bruno Caboclo and Lucas Nogueira some minutes next year. Try to bring in an emotional vet leader like Vince Carter to instill some mental Jedi edge like PP is doing here. And get Lowry to focus on being more of a set up PG vs a chucker. They should start focusing on his replacement via FA or the draft. MCW or Schroeder would be great for them. Maybe start Patterson and let Amir back him up. Draft the BPA at PF, PG, SG. Keep building.

There cap is fine. They have lots of dead weight coming off their books http://hoopshype.com/salaries/toronto.htm

Depending on offseason move, they probably end up 5-8 seed next year, but that fine if they rotate in some younger players and build for 2-3 years out and long term success.

[dckingsfan]

OMG hands, Casey is turrible... let's hope they give him an extension

[hands11]

Bottom line IMO is this team needs a stud PF that can score in the post in crunch time if it wants to vault into legitimate title contenders. Porter and Beal are very nice pieces but an inside(out) big on the level of Wall is necessary to reach the upper echelon.

That's a lot to ask isn't it? An inside out big on the level of Wall? Who are the bigs that might be or have ever been on Wall's level? LMA, Duncan, Marc and Pao Gasol, Anthony Davis, DMC,Kevin Love, Blake Griffin,Noah,Dwight Howard? That isn't a long list and.it of those guys are long in the tooth. The others aren't liky to become available. Perhaps the most likely is Love?

Like a lot of us, I am feeling like the development of Porter may be the most important thing for our franchise. If Porter pans out, that gives us a core of 3 young talented players. Defensive centers can be had for not that much. The price wasn't too high for Asik, Mozgov, or even Gortat. We can get another once Gortat ages out. Unless someone truly elite comes available, like Love or Durant, our best hope is to sign or draft a good stretch 4, and the hope that at some point Beal or Porter make a huge jump.

That's more then a feeling. He is a #3 pick and the one piece we have to least intel on at the NBA level. What he becomes obviously would have a huge affect. If he can become a legit core 3 piece with a ceiling undetermined, that would be huge and changes a ton.

Wizards have lots of options moving forward. Keep building via the draft or land that PF of the future. Its a big window for this team and with every impressive thing they do, they become more and more a legit longer term franchise.

Wall, Beal, Otto, KD, Gortat is still in play. Maybe there is a way to get a Milsap or a LMA. Or someone untargeted yet. Its all in front of them. Right now, its about these playoffs and how far they can go. ECF is looking more and more like it would be legit and that would be huge for their young pieces.

Right now, they don't have to do anything other then keep winning. As for Cousins. Timing in everything. I wouldn't rock this boat to get him when I know he can eventually walk onto the team later. Keep rolling with what we are doing. Its Otto time right now and this team is gelling. Lets watch and see how much he can step up which will only help Wall and Beal step up more as well.

We have a pretty nice blend right now and can make some noise with it. Patience.

Go Wizards.

[Kanyewest]

OMG hands, Casey is turrible... let's hope they give him an extension

I would say Casey may have his limitations. Guys like Quinton Ross and Jonas Valanciunas haven't gotten better- although I wonder how much of that is on those guys just not working on their game enough. James Johnson also hasn't been utilized although when he missed 4 free throws, I could see why Casey had been reluctant to use him.

For this series, the decks may be stacked against Casey given the injuries or whatever is going on with Kyle Lowry and Amir Johnson. Even 6th man of the year winner Lou Willliams has disappeared- he hasn't really been that good and is shooting only 30% from the field and 13% from 3 point range. Lou Williams has struggled in the playoffs with the 76ers and the Hawks so it isn't really that surprising. DeMarr DeRozan can't get it going offensively against Otto Porter.

For now it appears the Wizards are running a better offense, they are getting more shots in the paint, and taking more 3s. Casey could be making better adjustment defensively but for now I see Washington's increase in offense as a result of Washington playing more small ball and shortening the rotations. If Otto Porter keeps playing like this, I'm not sure what Casey or any coach can do.

Perhaps Casey could have played Lowry less in the regular season to preserve his health although that became a tougher proposition once DeRozan had his injury. A coaching change may need to be made but there are certainly places where Toronto could add more talent .