3 Reasons Otto Porter Should Be in the Three-Point Shootout

Feb 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) reacts after making a three point shot during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA Three-Point Shootout is full of great competitors, but it’s missing a contestant. Here are three reasons why Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter deserves to be in the field.

The NBA Three-Point Shootout features a number of big-name superstars, including returning champion Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors. However, somewhere in the mix, they managed to snub Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter.

Porter is having a career year as the third option for the Wizards this season. Entering his fourth season in the NBA, he’s averaging 14.4 points, 6.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 1.5 steals per game.

He’s put in a lot of work and has shown great strides under new head coach Scott Brooks, including improving his three-point shooting.

Porter continues to thrive behind the three-point line, shooting a league-best 45.9 percent. He is emerging as one of the premier sharpshooters along with fellow guard Bradley Beal. However, some of it has gone without notice.

He’s come a long way since his rookie season. He shot 36.3 percent from the field and 19 percent from three back then.

However, that was then and this is now. Now, in his final contract season with the Wizards, Porter is playing superb basketball. That should have been rewarded with a trip to the NBA Three-Point Shootout. Here are three reasons why Porter deserved to be in the field of competitors.

Feb 7, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews (23) walks off the court after being called for a foul during the second half against the Portland Trail Blazers at the American Airlines Center. The Trail Blazers defeat the Mavericks 114-113. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

3. Wesley Matthews Is On A Losing Team

Typically, when you talk about three-point shooters, one thing that sticks out is their team’s success. However, such is not the case with some of this year’s field.

Take Dallas Mavericks guard Wesley Matthews, for instance. Yes, Matthews is tied for eighth in three-point field goals made with 144. But when you look at his team’s record, which is 22-33, you’re not sure what factors into the decision to select him in the field.

This is Matthews’ second trip to the three-point shootout as well. He is shooting 38.8 percent from the three-point line while attempting 371 total three pointers on the season.

Now, Porter’s shooting numbers don’t exactly jump out at you, but with Bradley Beal on his team, can you blame him? Porter averages 4.8 three-pointers a game and is on pace to break his own personal best of 267 three-pointers attempted last season.

An invite for Porter was the least the NBA could do. After all, the Wizards are 33-21 and third in the Eastern Conference.

Feb 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) looks to pass as Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal (3) and forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) defend during the first quarter at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

2. Bradley Beal Got Porter’s Invitation By Mistake

The Washington Wizards are the fifth-best three-point shooting team in the league. At 37.3 percent as a team, the Wizards definitely deserved to have somebody represent their squad in this year’s three-point shootout.

Bradley Beal was invited to be a contestant, but Beal turned down his invitation after not making the All-Star Game. Beal felt snubbed in his own right after not being name a reserve on the East All-Star roster.

Coaches’ voting instead went heavy on point guards such as Kyle Lowry and Kemba Walker, both three-point shootout competitors. Beal has been in the three-point shootout once before as well in 2014.

So, new rule. If an NBA player turns down his invite to a contest, he can nominate a teammate. That way it all works out for the greater good for everyone. Beal could have easily passed the torch to Potter, giving Wizards fans something to look forward to on All-Star Weekend.

Feb 13, 2017; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) reacts after making a three point shot during the second quarter against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

1. Otto Porter Leads NBA In Three-Point Percentage

Fourth-year forward Otto Porter has come along way since joining the NBA in 2013 out of Georgetown. Porter wasn’t the best three-point shooter out of college, but he’s made huge strides in improving season by season.

As a rookie, he shot 19 percent from deep. In his second season, he improved mightily to 33.7 percent.

Fast forward to this season, the Georgetown product currently leads the league in three-point field goal percentage at 45.9 percent. He’s made 122 threes on 244 attempts, which isn’t bad considering his backcourt features the likes of John Wall and Bradley Beal.

He’s found his niche on an offense that looks to spread the floor, drive and kick the ball for midrange shots and three-pointers.

Porter is on pace to shatter his season-high for points, set last season at 871, as well as his three-point attempts, which he set last season at 241.

Certainly, the NBA could find a way to sneak Porter in this year’s field. If not, Porter can simply use it all as added fuel.

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