Veteran center Bobby Portis is confident that the Milwaukee Bucks will turn heads in the 2025-26 season and talked about what it has been like playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s brothers, Thanasis and Alex. Portis signed a three-year contract worth $44 million during the offseason, ensuring he stays in Milwaukee while questions about Giannis’ future with the team beyond 2026 continue to linger before the new campaign begins.
Portis spoke about having Thanasis Antetokounmpo back on the floor after his Achilles injury, during an appearance on FanDuel TV’s Run It Back.
“It’s been great, actually, especially when TA [Thanasis Antetokounmpo] came back. He just does so much for the team that it probably just goes unwritten,” the Bucks big remarked.
“Great locker room guy. Hard worker. His energy that he brings. Sometimes as the 13th, 14th, 15th guy on the team, you’re not expected to play minutes. So, you have to add value in other ways on a team to bring value to the team, and his energy is like second-to-none on the team.”
Following Alex Antetokounmpo’s recent signing with the Bucks, Portis shared that he has known Giannis’ younger brother for a long time.
“I’ve been knowing Alex for about six years now. Alex is a good kid. So, having those two guys in the locker room probably gives us a good chance to keep Giannis, for sure,” Portis continued.
Bobby Portis’ confidence with this iteration of the Bucks
Portis cautioned fans and analysts not to overlook the Bucks as legitimate championship contenders for the 2025-26 season. He explained that the team is embracing an underdog mentality as they enter the new campaign, determined to show they can compete with the best in the Eastern Conference.
“We have a team full of guys that have kind of been counted out. We have a team full of guys that can hoop but their names isn’t big. So, they don’t get the total respect from their peers and around the league from media members, and things like that. We’ve been seeing this meme all summer like put your finger over Giannis and look at the team, but I see a team full of dogs. I see a team full of shooters.”
In addition to acquiring Myles Turner, the Bucks bolstered their lineup with experienced players such as Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and Kevin Porter Jr. They also retained important contributors like AJ Green, Ryan Hollins, Gary Trent Jr., and Bobby Portis, giving Giannis Antetokounmpo a well-rounded and reliable supporting cast.
“I see a team full of guys that can do a lot of different things with the basketball. We’re gonna surprise a lot of teams this season. When we fast forward a couple of months from now, they’re gonna be talking different about us,” Portis said.
