After a career year in 2021-22, Bobby Portis returned to the Milwaukee Bucks and put together another strong year by posting some of the best numbers of his career.
The big man was a double-double machine, having tallied the most in the entire NBA off of the bench last season with 23, per Stat Muse. Russell Westbrook was next with 16, and there were three players next in line with nine double-doubles apiece. Those efforts helped him finish top three in the Sixth Man of the Year running, though he did not ultimately win it.
Could Portis have another strong season and claim the award this time? It’s very possible.
Age: 28 (Birthday is February 10)
Position: Power Forward/Center
2023-24 Salary: $11.7 million
NBA Experience: Eight Years
Last Season’s Stats: 14.1 points, 9.6 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 0.4 steals, 0.2 blocks, 49.6 percent field goal shooting, 37 percent 3-point shooting, 76.8 percent free throw shooting in 26 minutes.
Bucks 2023-24 player profile: Can Bobby Portis win Sixth Man of the Year?
Entering the second season of a four-year contract extension, Portis is secured financially for this coming season. On the books for just under $12 million, the Bucks have Portis on a solid deal as it pertains to value, given that he’s one of the most productive reserves league-wide. He’ll attempt to make that a recurring trend this coming season.
Although the Bucks will be playing under a new coach, Portis will still likely still see a key role as a regular reserve. The big man brings scoring, perimeter shooting, and tenacious rebounding, which were all on display last season. On top of that, he brings unmatched energy when he steps on the court that could get an entire stadium on its feet cheering.
If Portis can have another productive year, he could undeniably win the Sixth Man of the Year nod by the regular season’s end. Yet, even if he does win it, the big test will be the postseason. Portis’ role has fluctuated in the playoffs in each of the past three seasons, largely due to his defense, which has oftentimes gotten him targeted by opposing offenses. That can’t happen again.
The Bucks need Portis to sustain his regular season success and make an impact in the playoffs, especially on the defensive end. If Portis can do so, he could undoubtedly be a massive piece for the Milwaukee Bucks this coming season as they aim to get back to the top of the NBA mountain.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis and player profiles this off-season.