Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors: Otto Porter Jr.’s healthy should be a real concern

By Nathan Beighle

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball on offense against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - MARCH 08: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Chicago Bulls handles the ball on offense against the Brooklyn Nets in the second half at Barclays Center on March 08, 2020 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors have added three new faces in free agency — 33-year-old Nemanja Bjelica, 37-year-old Andre Iguodala and 28-year-old Otto Porter Jr. All three signed for the veteran’s minimum.

The addition of Porter Jr. is just another reminder that the Warriors are still a hotspot for veteran free agents. But, the question that now surrounds the former top-three pick is if he can be productive for Golden State.

The Golden State Warriors signed Otto Porter Jr., and while his numbers are impressive, there should be concern about his ability to stay on the court.

It’s now been two seasons since the Warriors run of five straight NBA Finals. In both seasons, despite making the play-in tournament last year, they’ve failed to be one of the eight teams in the Western Conference playoffs.

Porter Jr. does have his use, and he’ll get time because of his skillset.

Having split time between Chicago and Orlando, Porter Jr. has played under 50 games in the last two seasons, and it’s not been because of his lacking skill. It’s been because of his inability to stay on the court.

During his best season with the Wizards, Porter shot over 44 percent from three. He had consistency and was able to get into a rhythm. Although Golden State is the type of place where he should be able to flourish, there’s no denying his injury history could hold him back.

Now, it does appear that he’s joining the Warriors healthy. That’s great, but the real question will be if he can stay healthy. There’s no reason he can’t snag all the minutes behind Andrew Wiggins if he can consistently stay on the court.

Porter Jr. could also find himself in late-game rotations instead of projected starting small forward Wiggins if he can prove competent enough as a shooter, as oftentimes that all the Warriors need Wiggins to be.

Next. Top 30 Golden State Warriors players in franchise history. dark

That said, the sky is the limit for Porter Jr. in Golden State, but expectations need to be tempered as his injury history could easily come back to make him forgettable.

Home/Warriors News