Soaring Down South
Fansided

Atlanta Hawks Game Preview: Jan. 27 Washington Wizards

By Andrew Snyder

Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 30, 2016; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Dwight Howard (8) against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena. The Suns defeated the Hawks 109-107. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
Jan 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) gestures after a three point basket during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 19, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) gestures after a three point basket during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Washington Wizards won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Opposing Player To Watch: Otto Porter Jr.

Casual fans may not be noticing, but Otto Porter Jr. has turned into a darn good role player. He’s been outstanding this season. Kevin Arnovitz noted on The Lowe Post Podcast that he should even be on the fringes of All-Star consideration. I find it hard to disagree.

His efficiency has been off the charts. Porter is averaging 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game on 53.3 percent shooting and 45.6 percent from three-point range. That’s pretty ridiculous. He’s become one heck of a third option for the Wizards.

Porter’s breakout should be yet another lesson in patience when it comes to the development of young players. Porter’s rookie season had fans thinking he was a bust, now he’s proving himself to be a valuable role player.

Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer wrote an interesting piece about Porter’s efficiency since last season’s All-Star break.

"The biggest sign of his improvement has been his shooting. Prior to last season’s All-Star Weekend, Porter had shot 3s at a 31.5 percent clip on 289 attempts over his career. That’s horrific for a top pick who was expected to be a floor spacer, a 3-and-D energy guy who’d occasionally have explosive games. Now, suddenly, he is. Since that break, Porter is shooting 44.9 percent from 3 on 294 attempts; this season alone he’s second in the league in 3-point percentage (of players who attempt a minimum of three triples per game). Porter notched only six games with 20-plus points over his first 155 career games; he has 12 instances over his last 75 games. This is who the Wizards thought they were drafting with the third pick in 2013."

As I mentioned earlier, Porter creates a match-up problem for Atlanta. Kent Bazemore or Thabo Sefolosha would be equipped to guard him, but the Hawks need them to check John Wall and Bradley Beal. That would leave Dennis Schroder on Porter, which is not exactly ideal. Porter’s size would surely give Schroder issues.

Mike Budenholzer has some decisions to make. I expect he’ll end up changing assignments as the game progresses. As unfortunate as it is to have Schroder guard Wall, it may be the best option.

Home/Hawks News