Bulls' Porter willing to trade minutes for good health
When the Bulls traded for Otto Porter in the middle of the 2018-19 season, he was expected to be a key piece that would help lift the Bulls to the next level.
After a couple of injury-shortened seasons, the new plan is a lesser role would make sense and help Porter stay healthy.
"I've always felt like in his time in Washington, he's smart, he's got a really good feel of how to play," head coach Billy Donovan said on the first day of Bulls training camp. "He can make a shot, he's a good passer. He's just a guy that's not been available very much since he's been here. The more we can keep him healthy, keep him ready, I think that really helps the group."
Talking to reporters on a Zoom call Friday, Porter said he's fine with a lesser role if that's what Donovan thinks is best.
"That's totally up to his decision," Porter said. "He's doing a good job of communicating with our trainers and with me. Out there on the court, I just want to feel my best and right now I feel really good, really strong. The foot is feeling really strong and we're going from there.
"As far as the minutes and stuff, that's totally up to coach. I told him I'll play whatever you want me to do, play, however many minutes is totally up to him and I'm definitely down for doing that."
Porter brought along a hefty contract from Washington. He'll be the Bull' highest-paid player at $28 million this year. Missing the majority of last season with a foot injury was certainly a setback for the Bulls, but Porter is confident in the comeback story.
"I think this year would be a really good year for (fans) to tune in," he said.