Much like two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, fan-favorite big man Bobby Portis Jr. is one of the Milwaukee Bucks’ underpaid players. According to an NBA analysis, though, that train of thought may hold some truth to it.
Born in 1995 in Little Rock, Arkansas, Portis had a successful high school career, earning McDonald’s and Parade All-American honors and being named Mr. Basketball of Arkansas in 2013.
After committing to the University of Arkansas, Portis had a standout college career. As a sophomore in 2015, he was named SEC Player of the Year and a consensus second-team All-American. He then entered the 2015 NBA Draft and was selected 22nd overall by the Chicago Bulls.
Portis spent his first four NBA seasons with the Bulls, showcasing his versatile skill set as a power forward. He had several strong performances, including career-highs of 38 points and 15 rebounds. In 2017, He was involved in a practice altercation with teammate Nikola Mirotic, which resulted in an 8-game suspension.
After stints with the Washington Wizards and New York Knicks, Portis joined the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020. He quickly became a valuable contributor off the bench, helping the Bucks win the NBA championship in 2021. Known for his high-energy play and physical style, the fan-favorite has continued to develop his offensive game and establish himself as a valuable role player in the NBA.
Why Fan-Favorite Bobby Portis Jr. Is One of the Milwaukee Bucks’ Most Underpaid Players
As it stands, Portis has proven to be a productive member of the Bucks during his stint there. In an article by Cody Smith for Behind the Buck Pass, the fan-favorite forward has been identified as one of the franchise’s most underpaid players.
“This one may get some pushback given Bobby Portis didn’t have the season Bucks’ fans expected last season, but I believe he’s due for a bounce-back season in 2024-25. Projected to make $12.8 million this year, Portis enters this season as still one of the best backup big men in all of basketball. In what some considered a down year last season, Portis averaged 13.8 points, 7.4 rebounds and 1.3 assists per game on 50.8% shooting from the field and 40.7% on three-pointers over 82 games.
He finished third in voting for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award, behind Sacramento Kings guard Malik Monk and the 2024 NBA Sixth Man of the Year, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Naz Reid.
According to HoopsHype, Portis is expected to be the 133rd best-paid NBA player and 52nd best-paid forward coming into this season. Based on his floor intensity and ability to do the little things like rebounding and screening and knocking down open 3-pointers, there’s no denying that he provides immense value as a player that will predominantly come off the bench,”
During the playoffs earlier this year, Portis averaged 16.5 points, and 11.3 rebounds against the Indiana Pacers. His productivity from the bench has also made him one of the league’s best reserves last season, which placed him in the running for the Sixth Man of the Year award.
After the upcoming season, Portis will have a player option for the 2025-26 campaign. Hopefully by then, the Bucks’ big man can snag a bigger bag of money for his next contract.
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