2013 NBA Draft – Sacramento Kings Draft Profiles: Otto Porter

January 26, 2013; Washington, DC USA; Georgetown Hoyas forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) dribbles the ball against the Louisville Cardinals at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Otto Porter
Small Forward, 6’9″, 198 lbs.
Sophomore, Georgetown University
19 years old

2012-13 Stats: 16.2 PPG (48% FG, 77.7% FT, 42.4% 3FG), 7.5 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.8 SPG, 0.9 BPG, 1.5 TOPG

STRENGTHS: Otto Porter is a long, fluid athlete who exhibits the smarts and instincts that are not common for most teenagers. Porter is that “glue” small forward — a player who can contribute for a team in a number of areas. Offensively, Porter works great off the ball. He reads defenses well, knowing where to position himself for inside cuts or perimeter shots. Porter handled the ball a lot for Georgetown, and the young small forward proved he could shoulder the task. His shot has a slight hitch, but he showed great improvement with his spot-up jumper. Defensively, Porter uses his 7’1″ wingspan to pester shooters and penetrators. He is often compared to Tayshaun Prince in regard to his length and the pressure that can put on opposing scorers. In interviews, Porter comes across as a smart, humble player who will be a positive presence from his rookie season on.

WEAKNESSES: The knocks on Porter mainly come on the offensive end. While he scored 16.2 PPG for a major college team, Porter isn’t highly proficient at creating his own shot, scoring off the dribble or getting to the rim. For this reason, some wonder if his ceiling is lowered — he may never be a No. 1 scoring option. His length is offset by a thin frame, and while he has plenty of time to grow into his body, he will get pushed around until he adds some bulk. Porter isn’t an all-world athlete — he depends on his length and instincts to make up for his athletic shortcomings.

Mar 22, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Georgetown Hoyas forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) shoots a jump shot during the first half against the Florida Gulf Coast Eagles during the second round of the 2013 NCAA tournament at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

HOW HE’D FIT WITH THE KINGS: On a team starved for small forward production and excitement, Porter should be a starter from day one. Assuming a backcourt of Isaiah Thomas and Tyreke Evans returns, Porter would be left to play to his strong suits offensively — off the ball, finding holes in the defense, spotting up from the perimeter and crashing the boards. Porter seemingly can play uptempo or in the halfcourt offense, making him a versatile option for whichever style the Kings use next season. As an intriguing bonus, as Porter fills out, he can slide to the power forward spot (which he did at times for Georgetown) if the Kings want to go small with Thomas, Evans and Marcus Thornton. Defensively, Porter is more than capable of guarding opposing small forwards, and he’s smart enough to play strong team defense for a Kings squad that needs all the help it can get.

APPROVAL
SCOTT – Yes. Porter is the small forward we’ve been craving for years — spot-up shooter, stat sheet stuffer, hard worker, effective on defense and on the glass. The Kings have enough ball-dominant players and don’t necessarily need a project. Porter can contribute immediately. He does so many things well already, yet the potential for growth makes him maybe the best prospect in this draft. Add in the fact that he’s a personable guy with a positive attitude…sign me up.

BRYANT WEST – Absolutely. There isn’t a better fit in this draft for Sacramento. He plays a position of need, is an above-average defender, and by all accounts an incredible worker. His biggest weakness a season ago was his long range shot, but he went from shooting 26.6% his freshman season to 42.2% last season. While he’ll never be a go-to scorer, he’d be the perfect role player and is nearly bust proof. It’s an absolute shame that there is almost no chance the Kings can get him, unless they pay big to trade up.

WHERE HE GOES: With Cleveland having spent recent high lottery picks on a point guard, shooting guard and power forward, the buzz for Porter to be the No. 1 pick is there. Washington (3), with John Wall and Brad Beal, is seemingly a perfect landing spot should the Cavs pass. After that, the Suns (5) and Hornets (6) are options, and it’s hard to see Porter slipping past the Kings at No. 7 if he makes it that far.