Raptors new signing Otto Porter Jr. says he really wanted to come to Toronto

TORONTO, July 7, 2022 – The Toronto Raptors announced Wednesday they have signed NBA Championship-winning Golden State Warriors forward, Otto Porter Jr. to a multi-year contract. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Porter Jr., 6-foot-8, 198 pounds, averaged 8.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists and 22.2 minutes in 63 games (15 starts) with Golden State last season. He shot .464 (193-416) from the field, including .370 (80-216) from three-point range, scored in double figures 26 times, and recorded five double-doubles. In the playoffs, he helped the Warriors capture the NBA championship averaging 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 19.5 minutes in 19 games (three starts).

“I had some other offers, but this was definitely a place that I wanted to go to,” Porter Jr. said during the presser. “You know, my wife is from here, it’s just a lot easier for the family. It’s a great organization, great team, young team that has aspirations to get back to the top. And with winning the championship with Golden State, I feel like I can bring that experience here to help the younger guys out with doing that again. ” said Porter Jr.

“I know a lot about the city, I know about the people and the winters,” the new Raptors veteran forward told reporters.

When asked about their new addition Raptors GM Bobby Webster said: “As an organization that’s working toward our next title, we believe that Otto – who understands what it takes to be an NBA Champion – is a great addition to the Raptors. He has proven himself at the highest levels in our game.”

“He’s a versatile defender and high-level shooter who fits well with our team both on and off the court,” said Webster. “We really value his high basketball IQ, his connections to our city, and we’re looking forward to getting started, added the Raps GM”

A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Porter Jr. has played nine seasons in the NBA after being selected third overall by Washington in the 2013 draft. He has appeared in 504 career games (316 starts), averaging 10.6 points (.477 field goal percentage, .398 three-point percentage, .794 free throw percentage), 5.1 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.13 steals in 26.0 minutes with Washington, Chicago, Orlando and Golden State. Porter Jr. has appeared in 50 career postseason contests (21 starts), averaging 8.2 points (.491 field goal percentage, .359 three-point percentage, .726 free throw percentage), 5.2 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 1.12 steals in 25.9 minutes. Prior to being drafted by the Wizards, Porter Jr. played two seasons at Georgetown (2011-13).

SOURCE NBA.com

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