Most Important Players For Every Eastern Conference Playoff Team

4. Washington Wizards – Otto Porter Jr.

If you’re reading this thinking that either John Wall or Bradley Beal are the keys to Washington’s success in the playoffs, then you should probably look elsewhere. Yes, I’m very aware of Wall’s double-double dominance (averaging 23 points and 10 assists per game), and Beal’s sharp shooting from the field, all of that’s well and good.

But the question isn’t who are the Wizards best players, that is already determined. It’s who can become the difference maker come playoff time. The answer to that isn’t Wall nor Beal, it’s actually Otto Porter Jr.

It may be the fourth year of the process, but Porter is finally living up to what the Wizards’ faithful previously envisioned of him back on draft day. Porter is excelling as Washington’s third true scoring threat, pouring in 13.8 points per game. In addition, Porter is an excellent finisher on cuts near the rim, making 71 percent of his shots within three feet.

Another maturation of Porter’s game this season has been his shooting, specifically his efficiency when shooting over screens. Porter is near the 36th percentile amongst active NBA players in pull up points, this such influx in his game could spark consistency in Washington’s offense during the playoffs, especially one that’s leaned on the production of Wall and Beal so frequently.