Blue Man Hoop
Fansided

Contrasting fortunes for Golden State Warriors’ departed Champions

By Peter O'Keefe

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Reggie Bullock #25 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Otto Porter Jr. #32 and Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA - MAY 20: Reggie Bullock #25 of the Dallas Mavericks shoots the ball against Otto Porter Jr. #32 and Damion Lee #1 of the Golden State Warriors during the second quarter in Game Two of the 2022 NBA Playoffs Western Conference Finals at Chase Center on May 20, 2022 in San Francisco, California. 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 Harry How/Getty Images) /
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While Damion Lee was all smiles receiving his championship ring and playing a vital role in the Phoenix Suns’ shock win on Tuesday, it was a different story for his former Golden State Warriors teammate Otto Porter Jr.

Tuesday was a symbolization, and in one way a culmination, of the contrasting fortunes of the pair having left the Warriors in free agency. Lee has proven himself a valuable piece for the Suns, while Porter’s season is over before it really got started.

Otto Porter Jr. has had season-ending foot surgery, ultimately cutting him to just eight games in his first season after departing the Golden State Warriors.

Last week we considered how the Warriors may have dodged a bullet by not retaining Porter, with the 29-year-old having been a key piece to Golden State’s championship success last season. Just days later and his first season with the Toronto Raptors is already over.

"“This was a tough decision for Otto,” Raptors general manager Bobby Webster said. “He had hoped to avoid surgery, but ultimately a decision had to be made to ensure his long-term health. We look forward to his healthy recovery.”"

Otto Porter Jr. celebrates at the Golden State Warriors’ championship parade. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images)
Otto Porter Jr. celebrates at the Golden State Warriors’ championship parade. (Photo by Patrick T. FALLON / AFP) (Photo by PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images) /

Porter has a $6.3 million player option for next season, and it’s almost impossible to envision any team wanting to lure him away from opting in. It’s disappointing news for a player who now will have played just 113 games over the last four seasons, 63 of which came with Golden State last season.

On the positive side, Lee returned to The Bay as the league’s leading three-point shooter at a remarkable 48% — not bad value for someone on a one-year, $2.1 million contract. Golden State fans would have preferred he didn’t roll his good form into Chase Center, but alas he had 22 points, seven rebounds and four assists to help dismantle the Warriors in astonishing fashion.

Next. Golden State Warriors: Odd factor leading to Jordan Poole’s low three-point percentage. dark

Given their recent spate of injury issues, Lee’s steadiness off the bench would have been a handy resource for head coach Steve Kerr. As for Porter, assuming he continues to travel with the team, Warrior fans will be able to show their appreciation when the Raptors visit at the end of the month.

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