Bobby Portis recently revealed on JJ Redick’s Podcast “Old Man & the Three” how he ended up as a Milwaukee Buck. In today’s NBA, players workout and talk to one another more than past generations. This new culture of the NBA has changed the recruiting process for teams. However, sometimes players need to take their future into their own hands and that’s exactly what Bobby Portis did.
Bobby Portis wanted Milwaukee
Bobby Portis was drafted in 2015 by the Chicago Bulls. He spent 4 seasons in the Windy City before being delt to the Wizards with fellow Milwaukee Buck, Jabari Parker. Following free agency Portis signed a two year deal with the Knicks which wound up being the pandemic season. The second year was a team option that Portis knew wasn’t going to get picked up. While talking with his agent, Bobby asked his agent what he thought about Milwaukee. His agent reiterated that the Bucks didn’t have any money but that didn’t bother Bobby. Bobby wanted to be in Milwaukee.
While watching Milwaukee in the bubble, Portis knew he could bring something different to the team. Something the Bucks didn’t have. Bobby got Giannis’ phone number himself and gave him a call. Bobby ultimately signed with Milwaukee in November and eight months later, Milwaukee is crowned NBA Champions.
Related: Where would Milwaukee be without Bobby?
It starts with culture
The Milwaukee Bucks organization gambled on little known prospect Giannis Antetokounmpo. This gamble ultimately catapulted Milwaukee towards a championship and a destination where athletes want to play with Giannis. Portis also knew he needed to change his image because of situations that happened early in his career. He knew by joining a winning culture he could showcase his talent and allow that talent to be how he was judged. Since joining Milwaukee, fans love Bobby Portis. Fans feel he portrays how Milwaukee people want to be viewed which is tough, gritty and hard working.
Jon Horst has shown the ability to routinely identify players who embody what Milwaukee wants to be as an organization. When watching a Bucks game, you can see the love every teammate has for one another. Reports in December were stating the disconnect in the locker room. After those reports, the Bucks have only lost 4 games and rattled off 16 straight wins silencing anyone who questioned the chemistry of this team.
Preview of Bobby Portis interview
Check out this short preview of the interview JJ Redick had with Bobby Portis. The full episode will be released tomorrow, March 9th.
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