Otto Porter Jr. Returns As Key Shooter for the Raptors, Darko Rajaković says
The Toronto Raptors are ready to get Otto Porter Jr. back on an NBA court.
Last season the 30-year-old wing came into the year fresh off a championship with the Golden State Warriors and optimistic about his new team. Toronto signed him as a veteran 3-and-D, hoping he could add some floor-spacing to a team thirsting for shooting. But eight games into his season, it came to an end.
Toronto is going to take it slow with Porter this season. The team held him out of training camp and brought him along slowly in the preseason. He did not appear in Toronto’s first three games but is set to appear Friday against the Washington Wizards.
“At this point, we’ve just got to know that he missed like almost a whole year of not playing,” said Darko Rajaković. “We’ve got to be smart. We’ve got to be, I don’t want to say cautious, but we’ve got to be careful how we’re using him and how we’re being aware of long-term effects for him and for the team.”
If he can stay healthy, Toronto is going to need him this season. He was singled out by Raptors president Masai Ujiri as player who could help improve the team’s three-point shooting this year.
“He understands the game really well. He is very good in spacing and playing in corners or above the break. He's a deadly 3-point shooter,” Rajaković said of the 39.7% three-point shooter. “At this stage of his career, I think he's very well aware of where he can get his spots on the court. Plus, defensively, with his length and know-how, I think he can help on the defensive end as well.”
Toronto will also have Jakob Poeltl (illness) and Precious Achiuwa (left groin strain) back on Friday. That should allow the Raptors to see something resembling a traditional frontcourt rotation.
Gary Trent Jr., however, will be resting on Friday.
