3 Golden State Warriors outplaying their value in the NBA Finals

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 14: Gary Payton II #0 of the Golden State Warriors brings the ball up court against the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on November 14, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Golden State Warriors outplaying value: Otto Porter Jr.

The NBA Finals have shown Otto Porter Jr.’s value, and his replacing Looney in the starting lineup has been all one needs to know. Head coach Steve Kerr trusts Porter enough to give him big-time minutes in the Finals.

A former top-five pick, Porter Jr. played an instrumental role in several playoff games. He was crucial in wins over Dallas and Memphis despite having played while not at full strength. Golden State picked Porter Jr. for the veteran’s minimum this past offseason.

Porter Jr. averaged 8.2 points per game and shot 37% from deep during the regular season.

In the playoffs, he’s hitting 49% of his attempts from the field and 39% of his attempts from deep. Those are solid numbers that should help spark league-wide interest in Porter Jr., especially considering he’s still just 29 years old.

Porter Jr. is hitting 57% of his attempts from the field and 54% of his attempts from deep during the Finals. He’s been an increasingly important role player, and it won’t be easy to retain that type of shooting this offseason.