Among the Raptors, family stories are sometimes important. Fans of the 2019 NBA champions have not forgotten the “transformation” of Fred VanVleet at the heart of their journey to the title. From an abyssal clumsiness until the third inning against the Bucks, in the conference final, he had experienced a fiery end to his career.
Her revival had coincided with the birth of her second child. ” There is a lot of pressure. The last baby brought us the title », smiles the leader. This “pressure” is now on the shoulders ofOtto Porter Jr.who made his debut with the Raptors on Wednesday night in San Antonio (5 points and 3 rebounds in 11 minutes).
We finally know the “personal reasons” that have kept him away from the prosecution so far: he recently became the father of a little girl.
” So let’s see what Otto’s baby can bring us this year “, Continues in the same tone Fred VanVleet who hopes that the rookie will bring” a bit of this luck to the Raptors. ” My baby arrived right after winning the title “Says the winger, NBA champion last spring with the Warriors.
The latter were unable to extend the 29-year-old player who preferred to sign with the Canadian franchise, for 12 million dollars spread over two years of contract. A salary well above the minimum with which he had signed at Golden State and well below his crazy extension initialed at the Wizards with four years, around 25 million dollars per season!
Of exterior address and defense
In Toronto, he is expected for his long-distance address. ” I just hope he can do what he has done so far, which is to score 3-pointers. He is a very good rebounder. He has size so hopefully he can show up in defense too. But really, outside shooting is his specialty and it’s something we can use “, displays Nick Nurse whose summer rookie turns 40% in 3-point career.
Fred VanVleet, who had advised his teammate to stay as much as possible with his family to live these strong moments, considers that he is ” a defender at the level of a team that is playing for the title. He’s a very, very good player, and he was for a long time in this league. So I hope we can integrate it in the next two weeks. »
Also hampered by a thigh injury during training camp, Otto Porter Jr. says he is ready to start this new adventure with already his sixth career franchise. ” I’ll be ready, that’s my job. (Play basketball) is easy compared to what my wife had to go through “, he ends.
