Bobby Portis Jr. (born February 10, 1995) is an American professional basketball player for the Milwaukee Bucks of the National Basketball Association (NBA). Primarily playing the power forward and center positions, Portis is known for his high energy, rebounding, and three-point shooting. He was a key reserve player for the Bucks' 2021 NBA Championship team and has become a fan favorite in Milwaukee.
Early Life and College Career
Portis was born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas. He attended Hall High School in Little Rock, where he became a highly-touted recruit. As a senior, he was named a McDonald's All-American and was ranked among the top high school players in the nation.He committed to play college basketball for the Arkansas Razorbacks. During his two seasons at the University of Arkansas (2013–2015), Portis established himself as one of the premier players in the Southeastern Conference (SEC). In his sophomore year (2014–15), he averaged 17.5 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks per game, earning SEC Player of the Year honors and first-team All-American recognition. He led the Razorbacks to the NCAA Tournament second round, where they lost to North Carolina. Following his sophomore season, Portis declared for the NBA draft.
Professional Career
Chicago Bulls (2015–2019)
Portis was selected by the Chicago Bulls with the 22nd overall pick in the 2015 NBA draft. He signed his rookie contract with the Bulls on July 7, 2015. Over his tenure with the Bulls, Portis served primarily as a reserve big man, showing flashes of his scoring and rebounding ability. His time in Chicago was also notable for an altercation with teammate Nikola Mirotić in 2017, which resulted in Portis being suspended for eight games by the team.Washington Wizards (2019)
On February 1, 2019, Portis was traded to the Washington Wizards, along with Jabari Parker and a 2023 second-round pick, in exchange for Otto Porter Jr. He played in 28 games for the Wizards, averaging 14.3 points and 8.6 rebounds per contest.New York Knicks (2019–2020)
On July 9, 2019, Portis signed with the New York Knicks as a free agent. He spent one season with the Knicks, where he continued to provide a spark off the bench. In 66 games (5 starts), he averaged 10.1 points and 5.1 rebounds.Milwaukee Bucks (2020–present)
On November 27, 2020, Portis signed with the Milwaukee Bucks. He quickly became an integral part of the team's rotation, embracing a role as a versatile big man capable of guarding multiple positions, hitting three-pointers, and crashing the boards. His energetic play and emotional connection with the fanbase, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when he often played in front of limited crowds, endeared him to Milwaukee fans, who would chant "Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!" when he entered games or made a significant play.Portis played a crucial role in the Bucks' 2021 championship run. During the 2021 NBA Playoffs, he often stepped up when other players were injured or in foul trouble, notably starting in Game 5 of the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns, scoring 16 points in a pivotal victory. The Bucks went on to win the championship in six games, marking Portis's first NBA title.
Following the championship, Portis re-signed with the Bucks, eschewing potentially larger contracts elsewhere to remain with the team and city he had grown to love. He continued to be a vital bench contributor, providing consistency in scoring, rebounding, and defensive effort.
Player Profile
Bobby Portis is recognized for his strong motor, physicality, and versatility as a modern NBA big man. He possesses a reliable three-point shot, making him a "stretch four" or "stretch five" who can space the floor. On defense, he is a willing rebounder and can guard both power forwards and centers. His emotional and passionate style of play makes him a visible presence on the court, often energizing his teammates and the crowd.Career Highlights and Awards
- NBA champion (2021)
- First-team All-American – AP, NABC, USBWA (2015)
- SEC Player of the Year (2015)
- First-team All-SEC (2015)
- Second-team All-SEC (2014)
- McDonald's All-American (2013)