The Washington Wizards were thrilled when they had the chance to select Otto Porter from Georgetown with the third overall pick in the NBA draft last month and now they have the rookie signed to a contract as summer league play begins.
According to ESPN.com, the Wizards signed both Porter to contracts on this week and now the rookies will be able to play in the summer league in Las Vegas where the magic are playing. Porter joins a team with some very talented pieces but not a very deep roster, with names like John Wall and Bradley Beal and now Porter will have the chance to show why he was the Big East player of the year while leading the Hoyas last season. Porter likely will get a deal around $19.4 million over four seasons based on the rookie salary scale and the first two seasons will be guaranteed.
Porter was the predicted selection for the Wizards since he played his college ball in the same city, but also because he had a great season with 16.2 points and 7.5 rebounds per game as a sophomore. Rice comes to the team after being selected at number 35 in the draft by the Sixers, after which he was acquired for the number 38 and 54 picks in the draft. Last season he played in the NBA D-League for the Rio Grande Valley Vipers and he will play with Porter in the summer league.
Porter spoke to the local TV station in Washington about his first practice with the team and said it was more fast-paced than he was used to while playing for the Hoyas, one of the slowest teams in the nation last year. The Wizards won just 29 games last season but the franchise is hoping that Porter can help spur a quick turnaround with Wall.
According to ESPN.com, Asik formally asked the team for a trade after they agreed to a deal with Howard, saying that he did not want to back him up or split time with him after developing into one of the most consistent centers in the game. Asik had an excellent season last year with 10.1 points, 11.7 rebounds and 1.1 blocks and while the Rockets have said no so far about the trade, that could change if an offer is made to the team that they like.
Asik has an $8.3 million salary for each of the next two years and he played like one of the best centers in the game after becoming a starter for the first time. He was a candidate for NBA's Most Improved Player last season and the Wizards could be a good fit since they need more size inside. Nene or Emeka Okafor could end up being moved if they try to pull off a deal and the Rockets likely will be okay with Asik, as they ranked second in the league in scoring last season. Howard will improve the defense and he could make up for Asik's rebounding.
