Remember when Otto Porter was labeled a “bust” last year, even though he missed most of summer league, and all of training camp, preseason, and some of the regular season due to injury?

Well, I think it’s fair to say that the former third overall pick can no longer be labeled a “bust”.

After a fantastic summer league run, finishing on the all Summer League first team, and a great showing during preseason, Otto Porter’s play has finally carried over when it counts. With Trevor Ariza gone to the Houston Rockets and Martell Webster injured, Otto Porter has been given the chance to prove his worth to head coach Randy Wittman.

Luckily for Otto Porter, he was presented his greatest chance to showcase his talents last night against the Milwaukee Bucks after Paul Pierce got ejected before the conclusion of the first half. Here’s how he did:

-video via DownToBuck YouTube

After the game, Wittman joked about giving Pierce the game-ball following his ejection. It’s almost as if Pierce wanted to give Otto Porter a chance to play with the starters after people were wondering how well he’d fit along side John Wall, Nene, and Marcin Gortat.

Otto Porter’s ability to move without the basketball and his improved jump shot has made him a perfect fit in Wittman’s system. He’s obviously not the strongest guy in the world, but his length and knack for finding the ball has made him an effective rebounder and defender.

The “Otto Porter” chants at the Verizon Center last night were well deserved. Let’s hope he can keep playing at a high level.