Chicago Bulls: Otto Porter Jr. should be re-signed long term

When the Chicago Bulls traded for Otto Porter Jr. they had an idea of the player they were getting. They were getting a solid player with a huge contract who needed a change of scenery. After a very surprising 15 games where Porter Jr. had an offensive explosion, It’s time the Bulls start getting ready to extend his contract.

Wings are a hot commodity in life and the NBA. The way a crunchy, deep-fried chicken wing can bring pleasure to a person is the same way an NBA wing can bring pleasure to an NBA team. The Chicago Bulls have a good one starting for them this season.

The Warriors showed the value of having IQ Wings/Forwards at the highest level. The ability to do two of Defend, Pass, or Shoot is more coveted than ever before.  After this season, Porter Jr. can opt-out and test free agency. Whether or not the former Georgetown Hoya wants to stay is unknown, but the Bulls should be trying everything in their power to work out an extension with him. If Porter Jr. isn’t apart of the core, he’s at least the glue that holds it together.

Chandler Hutchison got drafted with the idea that he can develop into a switchable, versatile wing. Paxson spoke very highly of Hutchison on draft night:

 ”We think he can put it on the floor and create. He got to the lane a lot as a ball handler. His shot is getting better and better, we think he’ll be able to shoot it from NBA range at some point, but that’s an area he’ll have to continue to work on,” Paxson said. “The more guys you have that can handle and create and pass, with the way our game is and the way our floor is spaced, we think he can do those things,” Paxson said. 

Otto Porter Jr. had one of the best 15 game cameos in Bulls history. The former third overall pick averaged 17.5 points per game on 48.3/48.8/90.6 splits. Porter Jr. showcased an offensive skill set that showed he was more than a catch-and-shoot guy. He showcased some pull-up ability (5.8 pull up points on 39.8 percent shooting).

Despite not having an exceptional handle, It’s solid enough to allow him to get to his spots. What made the Warriors and the Spurs dangerous was the fluid ball motion of their offense. Ball movement isn’t the only way to win, but unless you have other worldly isolation players, it makes it that much harder.

Only one team since 2015-16 (when the NBA started tracking isolations) has won the NBA title while ranked top 5 in Isolation frequency, and that same team is the only team to make the finals despite being ranked top 5 in isolation frequency. No surprise, that team is the LeBron James-led Cavaliers.