Bucks' Bobby Portis sends vehement message to doubters ahead of new season

It appears that there is a significant divide among the Milwaukee Bucks fanbase on Bobby Portis.

Some fans love the big man, who has certainly etched himself into the conversation of being one of the most productive reserves in the NBA. On the other hand, there are plenty of Milwaukee fans who believe the Bucks would be better off looking to trade him to find a better fit, such as a more athletic, defensive-minded center.

Portis hears all the noise and recently took to social media to let it by known, simply saying, "The bp hate be for real..but it’s all good. Talk soon. #UNDERDOG"

Bucks' Bobby Portis has a chance to silence his doubters in 2024-25

On paper, there's no denying Portis' productivity. He's finished third in the Sixth Man of the Year convo in consecutive years now, averaging 13.9 points, 8.4 rebounds and 1.4 assists while knocking down a respectable 38.8 percent of his 3-pointers. With numbers like that off the bench, it's clear that the big man has given the team a mighty spark on a nightly basis.

On the other side of the coin, he has not been perfect. His defense is a real concern and has hurt the Milwaukee Bucks at times, particularly in the NBA Playoffs. Speaking of the postseason, plenty of fans are also still irked by the center foolishly getting ejected from a crucial Game 4 against the Indiana Pacers last season, a game where they were already shorthanded. That can't happen.

Portis will have an opportunity to quiet his doubters this coming season. To do so, he'll have to come out with the same scoring and rebounding prowess he's always shown while also upping his play on the defensive end - keeping a level head in key moments would also help. Many think it might be too late for Portis to become a solid defender, but look how long it took Brook Lopez in his career.

All Bobby Portis can do is take in the outside noise and use it as fuel. In addition to hearing the fans, he'll also have to listen to constant trade rumors from the media. Perhaps all of that could be the perfect motivator to help fuel an incredible year with the Bucks.

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