I have been with the Standard Democrat sports department since 2007. I took over as sports editor in May of 2011 and have been slightly crazy about sports since I can remember. I attended Southeast Missouri State University and Scott County Central High School. I co-created our sports web show "The Last Word" and my two children, Elijah and CJ. I was married to my wife, Angie, in May of 2014. I love to golf, I am an avid NBA2K gamer and root for the Fighting Irish on Saturdays.

Otto Porter continuing impressive Summer League run

Posted Friday, July 18, 2014, at 12:57 AM

Otto Porter continues to shine during the NBA Summer League.

The 6-8 forward scored 14 points and had six rebounds in the Washington Wizards' 78-67 win over the Miami Heat Thursday night in Las Vegas.

Porter, the former Scott County Central star and 2013's No. 3 overall NBA draft pick, is averaging 17 points and six rebounds in four games. The Wizards are undefeated so far in Summer League play.

The Wizards, the fourth overall seed in Summer League, advance to Saturday's quarterfinals of the championship bracket and will face the No. 12 San Antonio Spurs (4-1) at 8 p.m. on NBA TV.

What's impressed me the most about Porter is how aggressive he's been in all facets. Being the go-to offensive guy hasn't been his thing even since college and he won't be called upon to do that anytime soon for the Wizards. But, "Bubba" has been getting to the foul line, finding ways to get open and knocking down shots like a second year player should be doing at this time in his very early career.

Porter should factor in nicely as an efficient role player for a young Wizards team who's fresh off a playoff run last season. He'll more than likely play behind newly acquired NBA champion and All-Star Paul Pierce, but that's one of the better positions most young small forwards could hope for. Having a chance to learn from one of the more successful players in recent NBA memory I'm sure is welcomed by Porter.

I'm going to go out on a limb and say Porter has a breakout season. He'll debunk some who have, inadvisably, called Porter a "bust" and do nothing but help his up-and-coming team to another playoff appearance. This prediction is barring injury of course, seeing as that a hip flexor problem sideline Porter for nearly all of preseason and limited him to just 37 games and an average of two points and 1.5 rebounds.

Myself and David Jenkins talk a little bit more about Porter, the NBA and the St. Louis Cardinals on our newest episode of The Last Word, which you can watch by clicking or tapping here.