Washington Wizards: Otto Porter Jr.
Porter made the leap this season, jumping from a 14.5 PER, 54.1 effective field goal percentage and and +0.6 net rating to an All-Star-level 17.9 PER, 63.2 effective field goal percentage and +5.9 net rating. The question is whether he can keep it up in the playoffs.
Last time the Wizards won a playoff series was when they swept the Raptors in 2015. Porter was a huge difference maker.
If they win another series this year, he’ll have to carry a big load again. When Markieff Morris sits and Porter is the defacto power forward, teams will go at the third-year Georgetown product.
They haven’t had much success doing that so far this season. Washington’s most-played lineup with Porter at the four has a +20.0 net rating. But things tend to get tougher in the playoffs. If Porter’s shooting slumps or his defense lapses, it could spell the end of Washington’s season.