Toronto Raptors sign Otto Porter Jr. to multi-year contract
The Toronto Raptors have officially signed forward Otto Porter Jr. to a multi-year contract.
Porter was a key piece of the Golden State Warriors' championship squad this past season, averaging 5.4 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 19.5 minutes in 19 playoff games.
The deal was first reported last week, but the Raptors waited until Wednesday to introduce their newest signing to the media at the club's practice facility, the OVO Athletic Centre in Toronto.
The six-foot-eight forward wasted no time in appealing to Raptors fans. As he took the first question, he immediately began singing Toronto’s praises.
“I love the city," said Porter, who cited his experience playing the Raptors during his years with the Washington Wizards, as well as the fact that his wife is from Toronto. “It just made sense.”
The signing made a lot of sense for the Raptors as well.
Porter fits right into the on-court vision of the Raptors' front office, who have built a team with players of his length and skill in mind.
“I think with this team, we’re capable of going very far in the playoffs. With this team, we’re capable of going back to the Finals,” said Porter, who boasts a 73-inch wingspan “This core grew up together … the older guys won a championship here, they’ve been there they’ve done it.”
The NBA veteran also shot 37 per cent from three-point range for the Warriors in 2022, mainly in a bench role. That long-range touch, plus his dogged defence, made him a coveted piece for Toronto this off-season.
“We believe that Otto — who understands what it takes to be an NBA champion — is a great addition to the Raptors," general manager Bobby Webster said in a statement. “He’s a versatile defender and high-level shooter who fits well with our team both on and off the court.”
A native of St. Louis, Porter has averaged 10.6 points and 5.1 rebounds in his career.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2022.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.