Revisiting Bobby Portis’ 2020-21 goals with the Milwaukee Bucks: No. 3 – Solidify frontcourt depth
With the Bucks having lost Ersan Ilyasova, Robin Lopez, and Marvin Williams during the offseason, they needed Portis to fill out their depth in the frontcourt. This signing helped reinforce their size with another household big man, but Portis proved to be much more than just a serviceable piece. Portis came in and made it clear that his goal was winning and that he would be willing to play the four or the five positions without hesitation when asked by Budenholzer.
That willingness from Portis helped solidify Milwaukee’s frontcourt depth as Portis would indeed find himself playing both positions as the year went on. Most of his minutes came as the team’s backup center in place of Lopez, but he also played some power forward when the Bucks ran their supersized lineups with Portis, Lopez, and Giannis Antetokounmpo all on the floor. His versatility gave the Bucks a massive boost and helped Budenholzer continue his many lineup concoctions.
Honestly, the Bucks could not have landed a better backup big man after losing that trio in the offseason. Portis played every game like it was his last with his immeasurable intensity and backed it up production-wise by scoring, shooting, and rebounding the basketball at the highest level possible. He fit perfectly in the role he was given, and he will reclaim that spot in the rotation next season without question.
Portis will now have to try and hit on these new goals for the 2021-22 NBA season.