What are the positives if the Denver Nuggets decide to bring Otto Porter Jr to the Mile High City during this summer’s NBA free agency?
Before I start writing my article, I have to confess something to you. As an overseas fan, I tend to get more excited about the defense. I am amazed by players who take pride by playing hard nose defense and make hustle plays. That is why I liked the Denver Nuggets when they had players like Kenyon Martin and Renaldo Balkman. Those were players with mental toughness and strong intangibles that I love to see every night on the court.
In my previous article about replacements for Danilo Gallinari, I wrote briefly about Otto Porter’s abilities. The Washington Wizards small forward is entering free agency after a break-through season, averaging 13.4 points (on 43.4 percent from 3-point land), 6.4 rebounds and 1.5 steals per game. He reportedly asks for a max contract and I believe he deserves it. The Nuggets might enter free agency seeking an upgrade at power forward. However, I would not say “no” to the possibility of landing a young player like Otto Porter who’s improved every year in the league.
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The 6’8″ combo forward out of Georgetown can address one major area of improvement for the Nuggets; defense. Porter is a sound 3-and-D wing that can blend well with the rest of the team. He brings defensive versatility and precise outside shooting.
According to Basketball Reference, Porter is best when he shoots from the corner. Namely, throughout his 4-year career, 39.2 percent of his 3-pointers come from the corner. As for last season overall, though, he hit a terrific career-high 43.4 percent of his 3s, good enough to rank fourth in the NBA and help him rank second-best in offensive rating (129.1) as well. As for his defense, aside from the mental lapses that he is most famous for, he is a good defender. He is excellent coming as a weak-side help defender and can stay with most forwards defensively.
Heading into NBA free agency, the Denver Nuggets can make a big splash. They have a pocket full of money and they can bring a player that can help them towards the next level. I firmly believe that Otto Porter is that guy.
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He is a great 3-point shooter and a solid wing defender. If there is something that Nuggets need more than anything else, it’s defense, and Porter can help at both ends of the floor.