The Toronto Raptors recently signed free-agent forward Otto Porter Jr. to a two-year contract with a player option in the second year. The 29 year old, key member of the NBA Championships winning Golden State Warriors last year, will be a welcome addition to a young and talented Raptors team.
Porter Jr. averaged 8.2 points per game this past season but had a bigger role in the playoffs. He is known for his tenacious defence and is a good long-range shooter, with a career average of 39.8 percent from behind the arc.
Porter was selected third overall by the Washington Wizards bank in the 2013 draft and has played 9 years in the league. His career can be broken down into his first six seasons of his career with the Wizards and thereafter a small stint in Chicago, Orlando before signing with the Warriors in the 2021 off-season.
What will Porter Jr. bring to the Raptors?
Otto Porter Jr. should bring some size and versatility to the forward position. As a 3&D kind’ve player, he should stretch the court for his team and will be one of the team’s better defenders. He will likely start and be backed up by both Chris Boucher and Thaddeus Young.
Another key point to consider with Porter Jr. is his championship pedigree. After coming off a Championship winning season with the Warriors, he will be a useful addition to the team’s playoff experience and should provide a winner’s mentality.
What other deals have the Raptors made so far this offseason?
The Raptors have been quite busy so far this free agency, signing both Canadian forward Chris Boucher to a three-year deal, followed by veteran forward Thaddeus Young to a multi-year contract extension.
Boucher is a six-foot-nine centre from Montreal who has agreed to a three-year deal worth US$35.25 million. This will be his third year with the franchise after entering the league undrafter. He averaged 9.4 points and 6.2 rebounds per game last season and then went on to hit 11.2 points and 5.8 rebounds in the six game playoff series against the Philadelphia 76ers. Boucher is considered to be an important part of the Raptors bench, bringing in scoring and high tempo energy.
The other major deal the Raptors made this offseason so far is the acquisition of veteran Thaddeus Young. Young will play a similar role to that of Boucher, bringing in a lot of experience and tenacity off the bench. Young has been travelling around the league as of late, having played for both the Chicago Bulls and San Antonio Spurs last year.
