Just a few games into the young season, it’s become quickly apparent that Bobby Portis does not fit in with the rest of the Bucks roster. His slower, more deliberate approach to scoring has bogged down the otherwise fast-paced Milwaukee offense. Portis is also showing some flashes of poor defense and poor decision-making, which are leading to a negative impact on the court.
Bobby Portis needs to change his mindset
Portis’ poor fit with his shot selection has been obvious, but his poor performance came to a head against the Cavaliers. In the Bucks’ first loss of the season, Portis added four turnovers and three fouls to go along with his ball-stopping ways. These crucial mistakes cost the Bucks dearly in a close game, which they ended up losing by just five.
Portis often looks like a dinosaur next to the rest of the Bucks’ youthful roster. His age is showing. Now in his age-30 season, Portis’s slower decision-making has clashed harshly with the standard Milwaukee Bucks strategy.
The Bucks' offense is now constructed around moving the ball and getting open three-point shots for different shooters. The team is at its best when players are passing up good shots in exchange for great shots for their teammates. But Bobby Portis hasn’t fit into the same mold.
Portis has never been a prolific passer throughout his career. During his six-year tenure in Milwaukee, Portis has averaged just 1.4 assists per game. When he gets the ball, Portis will often take a shot or go to work in the post. Passing is typically a last resort rather than something done proactively in the flow of the offense.
This approach can be valuable when the team is lacking a go-to scorer on the court. Sometimes it’s good to have a veteran who can reliably get a decent look even in the worst circumstances. But the Bucks are really looking for good or great shots instead.
Even star Giannis Antetokounmpo has bought into this unselfish play style. Giannis is averaging a career-high seven assists per game this season, a direct contrast to Portis’ 0.7. The team’s offense has been stagnant and slower when Portis is on the floor. The clearest evidence is the team’s pace of play, which is slower in Portis’ minutes than any other regular rotation player.
Portis will have to adapt to the Bucks’ new offense and the ever-evolving NBA. If he’s not able to play in a faster environment and provide more on defense, he will inevitably see his minutes decrease. Portis is simply not good enough at his current playstyle to be valuable on a team that is heading in the opposite direction.