Otto Porter Jr, the miracle

Signed in minimum wage, Otto Porter Jr. he was successful in his bet. After four difficult seasons, mainly in the infirmary, the former teammate of John Wall and Bradley Beal on the Wizards has found his place in a rotation and is enjoying every moment he spends on the field in these playoffs.

” It’s too good to be back in the playoffs. At one point I thought I would never experience this again. he confides in the San Francisco Chronicle.

Emergency surgery to avoid the worst: not walking again

The newspaper says that four years ago, after an operation, he was told he would never walk again. After a bad fall in the playoffs and a calf injury, we discovered that he suffers from an acute version of compartment syndrome: the intramuscular pressure is sometimes so strong that the muscle cramps within its housing, causing compression of the blood vessels and the nerves that pass via. Operated urgently, he avoids the worst but convalescence is long. To make matters worse, it was discovered that he had a stress fracture in his left foot…

But Otto Porter Jr. hung on. Despite numerous relapses (88 games played in three years), he did not abandon his career and, to revive, he chose to join a renowned franchise for minimum wage.

There, she underwent a series of physical tests, and the medical staff found that all her concerns were due to a pelvic problem. In Golden State, therefore, he is taught to walk and run, but also to breathe. He starts almost from scratch to find a new balance, and thus avoid traumatic postures.

At 28, start a new career

” I had many wounds recalls Steve Kerr. ” He has recovered a lot in the last two years. He signed for a maximum salary contract. He signed for a minimum contract. He is a player who has it all figured out. He understands the NBA. He understands his profession and it is a pleasure to train him on and off the court. He is one of our smartest players. »

A player who has also discovered a new role as the Warriors use him as an interior, taking over from Draymond Green or Kevon Looney. The team lacks size and often finds itself overpowered behind the panels, but Otto Porter Jr. is one of the good surprises, averaging 8.5 rebounds in the series against the Grizzlies, for example.

” Otto takes on the challenge of getting into the scrum and is one of our best rebounders this year. emphasizes Kevon Looney. ” No one on our team is surprised by what they do.“.

The good news is that the former Magician is at 100% of his physical potential, but also that he is only 28 years old! The worst is over and a new career begins for him.

” The doubt had settled a bit and it’s normal, it’s human concludes. ” Ever since my leg injury, my plan has always been to relive the playoffs. I’m there today, and it’s a way of remembering that hard work really pays off when you give it your all. »