Milwaukee Bucks: Handing out player awards at the quarter mark

Milwaukee Bucks’ Sixth Man at the quarter way mark – Bobby Portis

When Bobby Portis signed with the Bucks this offseason, he made it clear that his decision came down to joining a winning culture. He was willing to embrace any role given to him, and he has served as the team’s sparkplug in the second unit 19 games into the season.

Statistically, the big man is currently averaging 10.6 points on a .548/.444/.727 slash line, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 22.8 minutes per game. Portis has been exceptionally efficient on the offensive end, putting up career-bests in field goal and 3-point percentage. He has been the team’s versatile piece in the frontcourt, playing both center or power forward when called upon.

Whenever Portis checks into the game, he brings an immeasurable energetic presence, never failing to give 100 percent effort on every play. This comes from his hardened mindset, embracing an “underdog” mentality, as oftentimes can be spotted printed on his facemask or shirt. Portis talked about this mindset in his introductory media availability with the Bucks back in December:

"“I’m a guy that loves to come off the bench, that loves to score the basketball. Being able to provide an extra scoring lift off the bench and being able to fill any role that’s given to me and just try to bring a competitive spirit to the game. I’m a guy that plays with the edge. I’m going out there to give it 110 percent of the effort every night. Being able to go out there and just be myself.”"

Bobby Portis has been fantastic off the bench in the early going this season, and he is certainly Milwaukee’s Sixth Man of the Quarter. If he can sustain this high level of play as the season progresses, perhaps he could end up in the running for the real thing.