Washington Wizards: 5 Takeaways At The All-Star Break

Feb 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards forward Markieff Morris (5) shakes hands with guard John Wall (2) after defeating the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington defeats Indiana 111-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

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Feb 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter (22) reacts to the Wizards defeating the Indiana Pacers at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Washington defeats Indiana 111-98. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Feb 16, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Otto Porter Jr. Is Playing Well In His Contract Season

Washington Wizards’ forward Otto Porter Jr. is turning heads in his final contract season before becoming a restricted free agent this summer. While the Wizards are unsure of signing him to a max contract, the 23-year-old forward is still having a career season.

Porter Jr. is averaging 14.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game. His points and rebounds per game are both career-highs. He’s shooting a league-best 46.5 percent from three-point range, also a career-high. His 53.4 percent shooting percentage is also a career-high. The fourth-year forward has come a long way since entering the NBA as the Wizards’ third overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

In his rookie season, Porter Jr. averaged 19.0 percent from three. The next season, his average went up to 33.7 percent. Last season, Porter Jr. shot 36.7 percent from three-point range. This season, he’s made a career-best 118 three-pointers, well above his total of 98 three-point makes a season ago.

As he enters the final stretch heading into the playoffs, look for Otto Porter Jr. to play a role in the Wizards’ run. He’s made six three-pointers in three games this season, including their previous win over Indiana on Feb. 16.

Porter Jr. has gone from playing 8.6 minutes per game and no starts his rookie season to 33.9 minutes per game and 55 starts in 55 games this season. His hard work is paying off, which could mean for a huge payday for him this offseason.

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