Even though most analysts have not favored the Milwaukee Bucks to win a ring next season, there’s still a chance for the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team to defy expectations. For Bobby Portis, though, there’s one solid way he can help the squad compete better in the NBA.
Portis has established himself as a key contributor off the bench, showcasing impressive scoring abilities. In the 2023-24 season, he played all 82 games, averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds while achieving a shooting percentage of 50.8% from the field and 40.7% from beyond the arc.
His performance earned him second place in bench scoring across the NBA, falling just short of Malik Monk, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year. Portis also recorded the most double-doubles among bench players, highlighting his consistent offensive impact.
Despite these accomplishments, concerns about his defense persist. Standing at 6-foot-10, he struggles to contest shots effectively and often finds it challenging to keep pace with quicker guards during switches. His pick-and-roll defense has been criticized, particularly for his tendency to hedge too early and fail to recover quickly.
As the 2024-25 season approaches, the fan-favorite has the opportunity to address these defensive shortcomings and silence his critics. With the right mindset, he can turn external criticism into motivation, elevating his performance and that of the Bucks as they aim for success.
How Bobby Portis Can Help the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2024-25 Campaign
The Bucks need all the help they can get when the new season starts soon. According to an NBA analysis by Dalton Sell for Behind the Buck Pass, Portis can do so by focusing on his rebounding.
“Many people might put defense here. While it would be great if Portis took strides defensively, it feels unlikely at this point in his career. Instead, the Milwaukee Bucks need Portis to assert himself on the glass more, as his rebounds per game dropped quite a bit last season. When Portis is attacking and hauling in boards, his impact becomes that much more valuable for the Bucks,” Sell wrote.
As the Bucks prepare for the new season, Portis’s performance, particularly his consistency and defensive commitment, will be scrutinized. Despite being a key player alongside stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, he has faced challenges, having been outscored by opponents in three of his nine seasons.
For the Bucks to contend for the championship, the forward must elevate his game and provide solid support on both ends of the court, especially on rebounding. If he succeeds, there’s a good chance Milwaukee can become serious contenders in the Eastern Conference again.
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