Over the years, Bobby Portis has come so close to earning Sixth Man of the Year a handful of times, finishing top-three twice in the past three seasons. With a revamped roster and no clear-cut second option in town, Portis, who has already been an essential second-unit sparkplug for years, will likely see more responsibility for the Milwaukee Bucks offensively, which could beef up his case.
The Bucks need Portis to keep the offense afloat
Doc Rivers knows a thing or two about utilizing sixth men. During his time coaching the LA Clippers, that award was consistently passed around, with Jamal Crawford taking it home twice, Lou Williams doing the same, and Montrezl Harrell holding it once as well. Rivers has helped fuel these seasons by giving his reserves heavy minutes as if they were starters.
In 2013-14, Crawford logged 30.3 minutes per game. In 2015-16, it was 26.9. Lou Williams averaged 29.3 per game during his back-to-back run as the winner. Harrell was at 27.8 in 2019-20. Outside of the year when he started most of his games, the most minutes per game Portis has logged with the Milwaukee Bucks was just 26 in 2022-23.
Over the last two seasons, most of which came under Doc Rivers, Portis has averaged 24.8 minutes. With Myles Turner on the payroll and Giannis Antetokounmpo likely staying put, Portis won't make the leap into the starting five, but he's still a candidate to earn significant minutes due to Milwaukee's new need for a consistent jolt on the offensive end.
With Damian Lillard gone and no co-star to replace him, the Milwaukee Bucks have embraced a roster built on all-around team basketball. The second scoring option title is up for grabs. With a larger role, leading to more touches and production, Portis' case for Sixth Man of the Year could grow as the year goes on. They need his shot creation and off-ball shooting to keep those reserve units flowing.
The Milwaukee Bucks have already showcased their faith in Bobby Portis time again and again. That isn't going to change, especially after a recent contract extension. Doc Rivers is clearly a big fan, and even if he's not starting next season, the big man will be a key cog in the nightly rotation. With that in mind, there's a good chance he finally takes home the prestigious Sixth Man of the year honor.
Expect plenty of Bobby Portis minutes this coming season.
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