The Otto Porter effect still being felt, especially in the toughness department

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The early feedback on the addition of Otto Porter Jr. has been positive.

Lauri Markkanen and Zach LaVine have gone out of their way to compliment Porter’s game since he joined the Bulls in a deadline deal, with each referring to Porter as a “professional’’ in every way.

Porter, who left the game after the first half with a strained lower left leg and did not return, sees things a bit differently about his presence.

“I’m trying to make their job easier since they’ve been here awhile,’’ Porter said. “Hopefully, I can make their job easier, get them more open looks, space out the floor. Defensively, bring defense, get more steals, more transition, easy buckets, things like that.’’

The numbers show that Porter has boosted the games of his teammates, with Markkanen scoring at least 20 points in the six games with Porter, and LaVine scoring 26 or more in four of the first six games.

While Porter said he has been impressed with LaVine, whom he has competed against before, he didn’t know as much about Markkanen. He does now.

“Definitely, he’s a big that can do both, and that’s very, very amazing to see,’’ Porter said. “That skill is becoming more and more in this league. He’s doing really well.’’

Since sending Jabari Parker and Bobby Portis to the Wizards for Porter, coach Jim Boylen also has been impressed. He said Saturday that he continues to see an improved toughness from his players and credited Porter for helping move that process along.

“I think he takes pride in his work,’’ Boylen said. “He’s alert and attentive and respectful to what we’re trying to do. And he has been committed to it since Day 1. I’ve been around trades where guys come in and take a step back to see what’s going on. When I was in Indiana, David West did the same thing. He jumped right in, man. ‘This is how we’re going to do it. I’m all in.’ Otto has been the same way. As far as the physicality part, we’re still growing there. I’d like us to be more physical and be the hitter and not the hittee.’’

Road show

Celtics coach Brad Stevens is all for returning to his college roots, at least as far as practice courts are concerned.

Boston used its practice day Friday to work out at Northwestern’s renovated gym.

“I’ve always thought it was fun to go different places,’’ Stevens said. “Sometimes it’s just an opportunity to see something new, be in a new gym. There’s obviously, with Chris [Collins’] connection to a couple of our Duke players, I thought that would be fun. Then I know a lot of guys on that staff and have a couple friends on the football staff, as well. We had extra time [Friday], so it was fun.’’

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Carter update

Rookie Wendell Carter Jr., who was already ruled out for the season after having surgery on his left thumb, had the pin removed from the thumb Friday and said he feels like he’ll be ready for summer activity.

The No. 7 overall pick played in the first 44 games at center and averaged 10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds and 1.3 blocks.

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