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NBA Champion Announces Retirement

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Nov 8, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Toronto Raptors forward Otto Porter Jr. (32) and Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) celebrate over Dallas Mavericks guard Kyrie Irving (11) during the second half at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Shortly after it was announced the Utah Jazz would waive Otto Porter Jr., it was reported that the 30-year-old announced his retirement. Porter Jr. made a statement about his retirement, citing his “body” as a major reason for his decision:

For the past 11 years, I had the chance to live my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA,” Porter said. “That dream was capped by winning an NBA Championship! Unfortunately, my body is not allowing me to play at the level that I expect of myself, and I have therefore decided to retire.

Porter Jr. began the season with the Toronto Raptors. However, after 15 games played this season, the team shipped him out to the Jazz in a package for Kelly Olynyk. News immediately circulated that Porter Jr. would likely be a popular buyout candidate. Following the trade to Utah, Porter Jr. never suited up for the Jazz.

NBA Champion Announces Retirement

Otto Porter Jr. Career Breakdown

The Washington Wizards drafted Porter Jr. with the third pick of the 2013 NBA Draft and spent the bulk of his career with the team. After six seasons, the Wizards traded Porter Jr. to the Chicago Bulls. Though his Bulls career was mostly uneventful, it was with Chicago where Porter Jr. dropped a career-high 37 points against the Memphis Grizzlies. The Georgetown alum also spent some time with the Orlando Magic in 2021 before signing with the Golden State Warriors the following offseason. With Golden State, Porter Jr. won the only championship of his career. As a solid two-way wing, Porter Jr. played a substantial role for the championship team. After just one season in Golden State, Porter Jr. departed and signed with the Raptors. The St. Louis native played just 23 total games for the Raptors due to nagging injuries.

Porter Jr. played 527 games in parts of 11 seasons in his career. In those games, he averaged 10.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.

Last Word on Otto Porter Jr.’s Retirement

It’s true Porter Jr. won’t see himself in the Basketball Hall of Fame. However, that shouldn’t take away from his impact in the league. Porter Jr. proved to be a perfect fit for the Warriors in 2022 and was a vital piece to the puzzle. His defense and overall versatility helped lead the team to their fourth championship this century. Obviously, the team was led by future Hall of Famers Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green. That said, it wouldn’t be fair to Porter Jr. who was an amazing role player for the Warriors. Although it’s unfortunate injuries got the best of Porter Jr., he will always be an NBA champion.

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