Mar 06, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Georgetown Hoyas forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) looks to inbound the ball during the first half against the Villanova Wildcats at the Wells Fargo Center. Villanova defeated Georgetown 67-57. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

As a result of a hip flexor he suffered during a voluntary workout several weeks ago, Washington Wizards rookie Otto Porter missed five consecutive days of training camp, which came to a conclusion late this afternoon.

Porter has been dealing with various injuries throughout his time with the Wizards, starting with a right hamstring issue during Summer League which kept him out for the majority of time. Despite missing significant time during the summer league, having time to be around the actual team in a practice setting was probably more important for his development. Now that the Wizards training camp is over, Porter certainly missed a valuable opportunity to get familiarized with the team and the players he’ll play along side this season.

Even though the Wizards are set at the small forward position with both Martell Webster and Trevor Ariza competing for the starting spot, it’s important that Porter finds his way into the rotation in order to get accustomed to playing with John Wall and Bradley Beal. At the end of the day, the Wizards picked the Georgetown alumni because he fits seamlessly with their star studded backcourt, and if he cannot find time on the floor, his development could be stunted.

So, now what?

Otto Porter obviously couldn’t participate in contact drills or scrimmage with his teammates, but he was still able to shoot and do light workouts. Randy Wittman continued to apply his defensive and offensive schemes with the rest of the club despite Porter’s absence, so the assistant coaching staff has been working with Porter so he doesn’t fall too far behind. Porter sat on the sidelines and watched the rest of the team execute the plays and schemes he’ll be a part of during the season, but that could only go so far. Being on the court while the actual drills are happening is a lot different than simply watching them getting put to action, so let’s hope Porter is truly is a student of the game by learning through what he’s seen.

Porter has missed invaluable time to establish himself, especially as a rookie. The Wizards still have an open practice left for the fans this Friday night before they start their preseason, so let’s hope Porter will be ready by then. According to Randy Wittman, Porter is still listed as day to day and should be ready to go whenever the discomfort goes away.

It’s not time to push the panic button, but I am a bit concerned. Hopefully it’ll all go well.

What are your thoughts on Porter missing the entire training camp? Any worries? Let me know in the comment section below.