Gauging confidence meter on Milwaukee Bucks personnel before NBA Playoffs
Bobby Portis - 7
I am quietly confident in Bobby Portis this season, as he has been one of the Bucks' brighter sparks since Rivers came in. Since All-Star weekend, he has been great, averaging 16.2 points and 8.5 rebounds on 53 percent shooting and 45 percent from deep. All stats above his season average.
His energy off the bench is vital for the Bucks, and he has struggled in previous postseasons, but with the rumors of him being traded at the deadline, he has since gone on to play some of his best ball since being in Milwaukee. He started the final three games of the regular season in Giannis' place and will be needed more than ever to bring it from the start.
My doubts come from him being a nine point per game player in the postseason and his 3-point shooting percentage. In the last two playoffs, his outside shooting percentage has been under 30 percent, which is poor for a career 38 percent shooter from beyond the arc.
If the Bucks are going to go far, they need Portis to be at his best and bring it off the bench. Especially at home, Portis can really rally the crowd, which feeds into the players. Then, the atmosphere can be unbelievable as both feed off each other's energy.
It is only a seven for Portis due to his previous struggles, but he is showing right now that he can have a huge impact for the Bucks, and I hope it translates into the postseason.