Michael Porter Jr. finished Saturday’s win over the Wizards with 23 points (8-of-16 FGs, 4-of-4 FTs), six rebounds, three assists, one steal and three three-pointers.
With the Nets’ decision-makers hoping to land the best draft lottery odds possible, days like Saturday may become the norm for Porter. After putting up 20 points in the first half, his playing time decreased after halftime, and the veteran forward scored just three points. As evidenced by what he was able to do in the first two quarters, Porter doesn’t need to log heavy minutes to provide value. However, the Nets’ approach to his playing time could lower his ceiling. The Nets play five games in Week 17, with two before the All-Star break.