Washington Wizards: 5 bold predictions for 2017-18 NBA season

4. Otto Porter averages at least 20 points per game

The Washington Wizards signed shooting guard Bradley Beal to a wealthy extension in summer of 2016 to the tune of five years and $128 million. After signing his deal, Beal went on to have an even more productive season in 2016-17. He went from averaging 17.4 points per game to 23.1 points per game.

This past offseason, it was Otto Porter’s turn to reap the rewards of his play. Porter signed a four-year deal worth $106.5 million as the Wizards’ third scoring option.

Now it’s Porter’s turn to step up his game in 2017-18. He should be a key piece in the offense this season and as a result, he should average at least 20 points per game. Porter has developed into a solid scorer, particularly from three, since joining the Wizards. He’s also come a long way, too.

He averaged 2.1 points per game in just 37 games as a rookie. In 2016-17, he averaged a career-high 13.4 points per game while only upping his shot attempts per game slightly. Porter averaged 10.0 field goal attempts in 2016-17 after putting up 9.6 attempts in 2015-16.

Expect Porter to take that shot total to 13-15 shot attempts per game and get to at least 20 points per game. His confidence should be rising entering 2017-18 and should pay dividends in the box score for the Wizards.