Otto Porter: Draft Profile

Otto Porter Jr. (Small Forward/Shooting Guard)

Mar 9, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Georgetown Hoyas forward Otto Porter (22) looks on during the first half of the game against the Syracuse Orange at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Height: 6′ 8

Weight: 198 LBs

Wingspan: 7’1.5

Vertical Jump: 36 inches

NBA Comparison: Paul George. Porter has a lot of Paul George in his game. Much like George, he’s a do-it-all swingman. He can rebound, pass, defend, and score in a variety of different ways. Athletically he’s not in George’s league, but he’s not far behind either. I’ll say this though, Porter’s basketball IQ is higher than that of Paul George’s when he first came into the league in 2010 as a rookie.

Strengths:

• Do-it-all player. Porter is a fine ball handler, solid passer, good touch from mid-range out to the three-point line, good rebounder and good defender with elite defensive potential.
• Can play both wing positions.
• Very high basketball IQ.
• One of the most complete players in this year’s draft.

Weaknesses:

• Lacks physical strength.
• Has a tendency to become passive on the offensive end.
• Will he have the NBA range right off the bat?
• Can be a bit turnover prone.

How he fits with the Suns:

If the Suns are fortunate enough to land Otto Porter on draft day, it’ll be a great day for Suns fans everywhere. Porter is the type of player that can step in day one and help out on both ends of the floor. Goran Dragic said during a interview this past season that he thinks the Suns need someone who’s an aggressive scorer and playmaker, Porter fits that bill.

Porter is arguably the safest pick in this year’s draft. His basketball IQ packaged along with his ability to do multiple things on the floor will keep him in the league for the next 10-12 years even if he never develops into an all-star level player. Porter’s weaknesses are also areas that can be corrected with ease which is something that can’t be said for many of the other top prospects in this year’s draft; keep in mind Kevin Durant couldn’t bench 160 at the draft combine back in 2007. Porter is currently a projected top three pick but with all the uncertainty that surrounds the 2013 NBA draft there is nothing that’s set in stone.

The Suns desperately need a difference maker and Porter can be that guy. He will be a reliable defender for years to come due to his basketball IQ, length, and great overall size. One of the things that’s impressed me the most about Porter was the improvements he made from his freshman to sophomore year at Georgetown in particular his shooting numbers.