WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 20: Otto Porter Jr. #22 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the LA Clippers during the second half at Capital One Arena on November 20, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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 Will Newton/Getty Images)
How long do you wait for the Otto Porter Jr. to develop into an All-Star caliber player? It’s time to make him the 6th man.
With rumors circulating that the Washington Wizards are in rebuild mode, It’s time to let Kelly Oubre Jr. step up to the plate and start for the rest of the season. Oubre is currently averaging 12.6 points per game with multiple 19 point games this season. If it’s truly rebuilding mode in D.C. then it starts with the younger players.
Otto Porter Jr. is only averaging 10.6 points per game and has yet to register a 20 point game this season. With only one 19 point game this year, the Wizards should consider bringing Otto Porter off the bench to help a struggling second unit.
Since being drafted to the Wizards Porter has yet to average 20 points per game in a season. In fact, he has yet to average at least 15 points per game in a season. Porter ranks 12th among small forwards in the eastern conference for points per game, while his teammate, Oubre, sits at 8th on the list.
If the goal is to win, Porter should step up and accept the role change as a challenge. It’s not possible for Washington to go deep into the Eastern Conference playoffs with a starting small forward only averaging 10.6 points per game. To put Otto’s lack of scoring into perspective, Dwight Howard has more 20 point games this season than Otto Porter.
If the Wizards’ were to bench Otto, it would only allow the team to grow. With a 6-11 start to the season, the only way to go is up.