Bobby Portis Wants To Remain With The Milwaukee Bucks
With Portis facing a player option this summer, he wants to stay in Milwaukee
After losing in the Eastern Conference first round for a third consecutive year, the Milwaukee Bucks face some critical decisions this offseason. While most attention is on their franchise superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, some players’ focus is on their respective futures.
On a recent episode of FanDuel TV’s Run It Back show, power forward Bobby Portis said he wants to stay with the Bucks organization.
“I would love to be in Milwaukee. I love it here. They call me the mayor." - Bobby Portis
Portis only played 49 games this season due to a suspension, but he had a great year. While contributing hugely off the bench, he averaged 13.9 points and 8.4 rebounds. Although he failed to receive votes for the Sixth Man of the Year award, his efforts were much-needed.
Portis had to earn the league’s recognition
After two remarkable years at the University of Arkansas, Portis announced his eligibility for the 2015 NBA draft, where the Chicago Bulls selected him as the 22nd overall pick.
During his four seasons with the Bulls, Portis averaged 9.7 points and 5.8 rebounds. However, it wasn’t always pleasant. On Oct. 17, 2017, Portis got involved in a physical altercation with teammate Nikola Mirotic. During that situation, Portis reportedly punched Mirotic in the face, causing broken facial bones.
On Feb. 6, 2019, Portis was traded to the Washington Wizards for Otto Porter. In the 28 games he played for the Wizards, Portis averaged 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds. When the season was over, Portis moved on. On Jul. 9, 2019, he signed a two-year contract with the New York Knicks.
While playing with the Knicks, Portis averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds. However, they rejected his team option for the 2020-21 season, allowing him to become a free agent.
Portis finally found a permanent home
On Nov. 26, 2020, Portis signed with the Bucks.
During his inaugural season with the Bucks, he recorded an average of 11.4 points and 7.1 rebounds per game. His efforts helped him finish ninth in voting for Sixth Man of the Year.
During the playoffs, he only averaged 8.8 points and 5.0 rebounds. However, in Game 6 of the Finals against the Phoenix Suns, he scored 16 points off the bench, helping the Bucks win their first championship since 1971.
The following four seasons with the Bucks were huge for Portis as he averaged 14.1 points and 8.6 rebounds. He also finished third in voting for Sixth Man of the Year in 2023 and 2024.
During his five years in Milwaukee, Portis played arguably the best basketball of his career. If the Bucks can find a way to retain him, he could be a vital piece if they decide to enter a rebuild stage.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to The Lead. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@gmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson, Instagram @ckenzynelson, and Threads @ckenzynelson