Otto Porter finally joins Wizards’ practice

On paper Otto Porter seemed a perfect fit and a smart pick for the Washington Wizards at the small forward spot last June in the NBA Draft — however we have never really seen if that is the case.

Porter struggled some at Summer League but his style of play is a poor fit for the undisciplined style in Las Vegas. Then in September while getting in shape for training camp he strained his hip flexor. He missed all of camp and the first part of the seson.

But he returned to Wizards’ practice on Monday, reports J. Michael at CSNWashington.com.

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There still is no timeline for his return to a game, he is officially day-to-day, but this is a good start.

“It looked like he’s been out three-and-a-half months. He’s got to get out there now and get his legs under him,” (Wizards coach Randy) Wittman said. “Number two, getting familiar with what we’re doing. It’s easy to sit there and think as you’re watching you know what’s going on until now it’s game speed and action. He’s not very familiar yet with what we’re doing. Repetition, conditioning. The last thing you what to do is throw him out there not in good enough condition and he gets hurt again. Those are the kind of things you want to stay away from. You get him healthy, get him in shape, see what happens.”

In other good injury news for the 5-8 Wizards, Trevor Ariza returned to practice and will start Tuesday night against the Lakers. Chris Singleton also practiced and is ready to return to action.