The Washington Wizards will be a little shorthanded to start the season following Markieff Morris’ sports hernia surgery which will keep him out for a month. As a result, Scott Brooks could opt to play Otto Porter more minutes as a stretch-four, Candace Buckner reports.
Scott Brooks says Otto Porter Jr. playing more of the stretch-4 is a possibility in Morris's absence. But won't extend Porter's mins
— Candace Buckner (@CandaceDBuckner) September 25, 2017
The Wizards do not have a lot of great options at power forward without Morris. Jason Smith had a decent season last year, but he is better served playing limited minutes. Mike Scott, whom they signed this offseason, can stretch the floor with his shooting but doesn’t do much else well.
With that lack of great alternatives, it makes sense for Brooks to turn to Porter to fill some of those minutes in Morris’ absence. Porter is not a great perimeter defender, but he at least has the size to potentially hold his own against bigger and stronger power forwards.
Meanwhile, Porter is an excellent shooter as he shot 43 percent from beyond the arc last season. His presence at the four should provide better spacing offensively for the Wizards, and could mean more driving lanes for John Wall to exploit.
Kelly Oubre could also see some time playing power forward to start the season in order to spare Porter the pounding on his body.
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