Otto Porter Jr., who won the NBA championship as an effective role player just two years ago, has announced his retirement from basketball just weeks after joining the Utah Jazz

Otto Porter Jr. enjoyed an 11-year career in the NBA (Image: Getty Images)

NBA champion Otto Porter Jr. surprised fans by announcing his shock decision to retire due to injuries.

The 30-year-old entered the league as the third overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft. He starred for the Washington Wizards for six seasons before he was dealt to the Chicago Bulls, who later traded Porter Jr. to the Orlando Magic.

Porter Jr. signed with the Golden State Warriors on a veteran minimum deal and proved his worth, helping the franchise defeat the Boston Celtics in the 2022 NBA Finals to become champions. After two years with the Toronto Raptors, Porter Jr. was traded to the Utah Jazz in February where he was waived without playing a single game.

Following the news of his release from the Jazz, Porter Jr. revealed his retirement decision in a statement via the franchise’s website. He wrote: “For the past 11 years, I had the chance to live my lifelong dream of playing in the NBA. That dream was capped by winning an NBA Championship!

“Unfortunately, my body is not allowing me to play at the level that I expect of myself, and I have therefore decided to retire.”

Fans took to social media to register their surprise, with one user writing: “Thought he woulda signed with someone this off-season. Enjoy retirement OPJ.”


Otto Porter Jr. received his championship ring from Steph Curry when the Warriors faced the Raptors back in January ( Image: Getty Images)
Another added: “Woah… this is a shocker”

Porter Jr. spent the majority of his career with the Wizards, starting 271 of his 384 appearances and averaging 10.7 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.4 assists. He made just 54 appearances in over three seasons with the Bulls before his trade to the Magic as injury issues began to derail his career.

But Porter Jr. signed for the Warriors on an efficient deal, and he featured in 63 games across the 2022-2023 season – a year that culminated in an NBA championship win. Porter Jr. made just 23 appearances for the Toronto Raptors before he was traded to Utah.

Porter Jr. ultimately retires with 527 NBA appearances and a championship ring to his name. He earned over $138 million in his 11-year career.