Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Golden State Warriors rotation: Otto Porter Jr. is getting too many minutes

By Nathan Beighle

PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 24: Otto Porter Jr. #32 of the Golden State Warriors points during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on February 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. The Golden State Warriors won 132-95. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 24: Otto Porter Jr. #32 of the Golden State Warriors points during the third quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers at the Moda Center on February 24, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. The Golden State Warriors won 132-95. 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 Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Golden State Warriors lost Game 4, and while there seems to be little panic within the organization, how head coach Steve Kerr continues to allot minutes to his second unit may certainly change in the near future, especially after a discouraging Game 4 from the second unit.

For most of the season, Otto Porter Jr., who signed on for a veteran’s minimum this past offseason, has been a key piece of the rotation. However, against the Nuggets, Porter Jr. has been anything but efficient.

The Golden State Warriors have had to define their postseason rotation, and one player, Otto Porter Jr., isn’t playing anywhere close to his potential.

The 6-foot-8 Porter Jr. was originally the No. 3 overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

He has size, shooting, and playmaking which is what draft scouts saw in the power forward. While he’s had a good career, mainly with the Washington Wizards, he didn’t quite live up to pre-draft expectations.

Porter Jr. did hit over 40% of his attempts from deep in 3 straight seasons, so he’s a proven and capable shooter. For Golden State, he’s been a solid option as well, shooting 46.4% from the field and 37% from deep during the regular season.

He easily had a role in the rotation once the postseason commenced, but he hasn’t played nearly up to par.

Porter Jr., in Game 4, had 1 point, 4 fouls, and 2 turnovers in 15 minutes. He’s 6-for-18 from the field on the series and has yet to score more than 6 points in a game. Now, the starters do get the bulk of minutes, so getting into a rhythm likely is difficult for Porter Jr.

However, he needs to improve his play, and not getting quite as many minutes or the minutes with his typical personnel is no excuse for his struggles.

Shooting 33% from the field and averaging under 4 points per game in over 20 minutes of action is just unacceptable. Players like Jonathan Kuminga or Juan Toscano-Anderson should have a chance to get minutes if this play continues for the veteran.

Porter Jr. still has a +25 through the 4 games, but considering the Warriors’ dominance in the first two games, it isn’t shocking that they’ve been far better with him on the court. He’s a great locker room presence, but he needs to showcase that talent on the court.

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

Expect to see Porter Jr. on a shorter leash in Game 5 as the Warriors look to close out at the series at home. Especially with Kuminga stepping his game up in the postseason, Porter Jr.’s time to be an impactful part of the rotation may be drawing to a close.

Home/Warriors News