While Bobby Portis Jr. has become a favorite among Milwaukee Bucks fans, there’s an argument to be made that he has outlasted his usefulness for the franchise. This is backed up in the latest NBA analysis, which has named him as a possible trade candidate for next season.
Portis has emerged as a key bench player for the Bucks, showcasing impressive offensive skills over the past few seasons. In the 2023-24 season, he played all 82 games, averaging 13.8 points and 7.4 rebounds while maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 50.8% from the field and 40.7% from three-point range. His contribution placed him second in the league for bench scoring, with 1,052 points scored off the bench, and he recorded 16 double-doubles, the most among reserves.
Despite his offensive prowess, Portis’s defensive game raises concerns. Standing at 6-foot-10, he often struggles to impact shots at the rim and lacks the quickness needed to effectively guard smaller players during switches. His pick-and-roll defense frequently sees him hedging too early and failing to recover effectively to contest shots.
Portis’s defensive lapses were highlighted during the postseason when he was ejected for violent conduct in a crucial game against the Indiana Pacers, showcasing a lack of awareness in a high-stakes situation, particularly with the Bucks missing key stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Bobby Portis Jr. Named as Possible Trade Candidate in 2024-25 Season
Although Portis has proven to be an integral part of the lineup, there’s still a chance he can be traded sometime next season for a very good reason. This is explained in an NBA analysis by Sports Illustrated’s Cody Smith.
“Scheduled to make around $12.6 million this season with a $13.4 million player-option in 2025-26, Bobby Portis may just be the most desirable trade asset the Bucks have on their roster. Over the past handful of seasons Portis has fell victim to trade rumors and that doesn’t seem likely to change this upcoming year,” Smith wrote.
Heading into the 2024-25 season, improving his defensive tenacity will be essential for Portis to silence his critics. With examples like teammate Brook Lopez, who has made All-Defense teams later in his career, Portis has room for growth.
Using the external criticism as motivation could help him enhance his all-around game and solidify his role in the Bucks’ lineup. If he fails, though, expect Milwaukee’s front office to find him a new home in exchange for assets that can help the Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team win another ring.
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