Washington Wizards: Breaking Down the Depth Chart

Small Forward

May 9, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) celebrates after the ball against the Atlanta Hawks in the third quarter in game three of the second round of the NBA Playoffs. at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 103-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The departure of Pierce means an increased role for Otto Porter Jr., who came on strong at the end of last season. His performance in the playoffs (10.0 PPG, 8.0 RPG) showed good signs of things to come for the third overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.

Now, moving into the starting small forward role, Porter is looking the make the leap. His game has grown by leaps and bounds in just a short amount of time. Porter is a really good defender, whose length allows him to defend multiple positions. He has developed a more consistent, three-point shot. He shot 34.5 percent from behind the arc last season. He will need to continue to blossom as a scorer. If he can do that, this team will only get better.

Talent-wise, this may be the most talented position on the Wizards’ roster, as playing behind Porter are veteran swingman Jared Dudley and rookie Kelly Oubre Jr., who Washington selected at No. 15 overall in this year’s draft.

Dudley is yet another player who can stretch the floor. He is recovering from back surgery, though, meaning Oubre will get more meaningful minutes to begin the season. Oubre Jr. is known for his ability to create his own shot. He struggled to realize his full potential at Kansas, but the Wizards are hoping he can do that in the NBA.

Grade: A-