Milwaukee Bucks: 3 bold predictions for Bobby Portis during 2021-2022
By Lucas Valind
It goes without saying that Bobby Portis was a big piece of the Milwaukee Bucks‘ championship run last season.
He instantly captured the hearts of fans in his first season in Milwaukee with his energy and grit provided off the bench. During the team’s championship run, fans around the world started to see Portis’ importance to the roster, and those fortunate enough to be in attendance at Fiserv Forum would chant his name whenever he would check into the game and erupt once more when he made a big energy play.
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Realizing the importance of Portis to the team, the Bucks re-signed Portis in free agency this offseason. The big man could have very easily taken more money from a different team, but he showed his love for the city and the fanbase alike by sticking around for less.
After assuring that he would not be going anywhere anytime soon here are three bold predictions for Portis in the upcoming 2021-22 season.
No. 1 – Bobby Portis will play starting minutes for Milwaukee Bucks in 2021-22
This prediction may not exactly seem bold considering that Portis was the team’s sixth man last season.
However, in the event that a starting big may go down, Portis may be called upon to fill the missing role. This was highlighted during the team’s playoff run in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks. When Giannis Antetokounmpo went down with a knee injury, Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer turned to Portis to start the final two games of the series. He did not disappoint, averaging 17 points and 8.5 rebounds in those two starts.
With the controversial departure of P.J. Tucker this offseason, Portis will likely be the next man up in the Bucks’ rotation if one is needed. After a year of experience in Budenholzer’s system and seeing the energy that he brings, it is very possible to see Portis receive the occasional spot start next season. Although he has carved out a fitting role for himself off the bench, there are many teams Portis could start on in this league, and the Bucks are fortunate enough to have a player like that at their disposal.