Milwaukee Bucks: Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez humble at media day

To nobody’s surprise, Milwaukee Bucks fan favorites Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez sat and spoke together with the media at 2021 media day.

They both focused and touched on various topics, including Portis’ return to the team, both of them hanging with the Larry O’Brien trophy and taking it back home, Disney Land/Disney World, and much more. Both guys were asked about being world champions, what their summer was like and how they are dealing with the complacency of being world champions. Their answers, as always, were transparent, honest, refreshing, and witty. You can watch their segment here.

Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis both recall a wild summer after winning an NBA championship with the Milwaukee Bucks

Lopez indicated he had a nice summer and stayed relatively chill and low-key. He brought the Larry O’Brien trophy back to his hometown of Fresno, California, last week and surprised his high school coach. Lopez and his brother Robin both had their high school jerseys retired. He brought the trophy with him as a surprise and let his former high school coach hold the trophy. He also poked fun at Robin, indicating that it was great holding the trophy around him as he wanted nothing to do with it. He did not enjoy it, did not want to hold or touch it.

Both Lopez and Portis had a nice chuckle about that. It was so refreshing to hear Lopez mention that there is no complacency with the Bucks. Complacency is not part of the team’s DNA, and they are not built like that. They will celebrate one more time on opening night during the ring ceremony. Once the ball is tipped on opening night, it’s strictly back to business. There is nobody on this team craving attention or looking to shine in the spotlight. This team is comprised of unassuming, down-to-earth, low-key guys. Their main goal is to win and repeat as champions.

Portis has always modeled himself as a blue-collar guy who loves the city of Milwaukee and can relate to the blue-collar, hard-working people of the city. Fans have bought into him as he has won the hearts of Bucks fans, has fit in perfectly, and has been largely embraced as the player and person he is. He was able to take the trophy back home to Little Rock, Arkansas, during the summer. Portis has a foundation that helps and supports single moms, which he is a big fan of, specifically helping and supporting them, as he was raised by a single mom.

Portis grew up in poverty and wanted to spread the wealth by letting kids touch and see the trophy in his hometown. His hope is to inspire kids to grow up and be in his shoes. The real fun started when P.J. Tucker was mentioned by a reporter. Portis’ face lit up with a big smile and indicated that he still speaks with him weekly.

Lopez discussed the toughness and grittiness of Grayson Allen and what he will bring to the team. His competitive nature and shooting will again help to get the Bucks over the hump during the 2021-22 season. Portis talked about being a big wrestling fan growing up and how much he enjoyed attending a WWE event this past summer. He named dropped some of his favorite wrestlers he watched growing up, and the thrill of walking down the ramp during the event made him feel like a real wrestler.

Both players provided entertainment, insight, and a sense of realism during Milwaukee Bucks 2021 media day. Portis indicated that there are areas to continue to grow and develop as basketball players. It is obvious and apparent that this thought process runs rampant throughout the organization, especially all the players and coaches. These two players, as well as the entire roster, exude professionalism, humility, and work ethic.

BP and BL both want their own reality tv show, and deservedly so. That would be one informative, insightful, entertaining, and funny show both from a basketball and personal perspective.