While the Bulls and Heat both had some great free agency moves, the most impactful ones were arguably the Golden State Warriors. With Steph Curry playing average for the first time in a long time, the team has a whole has put itself on its back to the best start in the league at 8-1. There are a lot of factors that go into this, but it’s mostly two things: Improved shooting around Curry, improved defensive prowess, and a ton more buy-in.

If there’s one offseason signing that encapsulates all three, it’s Otto Porter Jr. It was easy to tell his first day with the team that he believes in what Golden State is accomplishing, and just how great Steph Curry is. He’s been able to feed off of that greatness as well, shooting with an efficient 64 TS% on a few shots a night.

Porter Jr. is a bit of a headcase. He’s 28 years old, but is widely considered a vet because he’s played 11 seasons in the league. Years ago when he was drafted by the Wizards, he was often looking like the piece that completed the trifecta with John Wall and Bradley Beal. Injuries have significantly derailed his career, however: In 3 seasons with the Bulls, he played a total of 54 games. Despite his injuries, however, he’s always been a dynamic contributor, and was sort of a prototype for the 2-way wing before it became one of the league’s most coveted wins. Some could say that OPJ’s playstyle becoming popularized by the Warriors was what helped him get as well-paid as he did earlier in his career.

To the benefit of both Porter Jr. and the Warriors, this season serves as a chance for him to prove he’s a worth more than a minimum contract. Playing about 16 minutes a game in his last 5 games, he’s shot 55% from the floor and 52% from three per StatMuse, which is pretty astonishing even with low volume. He’s also been a named contributor the Warriors’ league best defensive rating, the best in the NBA since the 2004 Detroit Pistons. He’s a Warrior if there ever was one, ironic enough considering the challenges he’s faced to get here and this being his first season with the team.

His status as a veteran presence in the locker room, especially with a lot of young guys on the roster who could become the wiry, athletic shooter that Otto is, is very important. He’s played now for four different NBA teams in his career, and has some experience being a journeyman that can give perspective from his experiences. He’s also a damn-good basketball player, someone who prior to his injuries was widely considered a future building block for an NBA franchise. He knows the expectations that can burden players like Kuminga and Wiseman because he’s been through them, so having his presence and mental around is an excellent addition.

While his role is a bit of a limited one, guys like Otto Porter Jr. are what make championship teams. The 2014-2015 Warriors would not have enjoyed the successes they did if it weren’t for guys Leandro Barbosa. Especially in a league that hypervalues defensive wings that can shoot and play smart basketball, Porter Jr.’s contract is the type of move that will keep the franchise contending under Bob Meyers and Joe Lacob’s leadership for years to come.

(Photo credit: Abbie Parr / Getty Images)