Bobby Portis had himself a great 2016 NBA Summer League, after showing glimpses of his potential last season in Chicago.
The 21-year-old Portis averaged 17.3 points, 9.4 rebounds and 1.4 steals per game in seven Summer League appearances, including playing a crucial role in the final win against Minnesota.
Beyond those stat which always flatter in Summer League, however, Portis has shown a rare fire and competitiveness for such a young player, as well as a hard working attitude. He stayed in Chicago over the off-season to work with coaches daily on his game, including improving his stamina and shooting stroke.
Portis should thrive in Fred Hoiberg’s system, which requires a big that can run the floor. His shooting range will spread defences to a point where he is consistently shooting open shots out of pick-and-roll situations.
He’s quick for 6’11”, has a long wing span, can rebound, post-up, shoot, and is developing as a defender that can switch onto smaller players as well as the rim.
Although he is not expected to start for Chicago to start the 2016-17 season, Portis is the type of player who will force Fred Hoiberg to play him heavy minutes. And, in the event of an injury to Taj Gibson or Robin Lopez, could find himself playing starter’s minutes although the Bulls still have a deep front-court.
His ceiling is an all-star level player. He has a long way to go, but his game is well suited to the modern day NBA, and if he can stay injury free, should be able to pave out a career for himself.
With mentors in new Bull Dwyane Wade and Jimmy Butler, who are renowned for their work ethic, Portis will learn how to develop championship habits day in and day out.
Safe to say, he is already a cult figure in Chicago.
Paul
Guest
So you think he's not going to be an all star because Simmons ( who you said you think is a good, but lazy defender) shut him down for a few minutes?
Justin Ahrns
Roar Pro
I agree with you in that the summer league is not a great indicator, but what is a good indicator is a player's work ethic and want to win. For me, seeing Portis play with that fire and intensity in exhibition games is great. He has an above average jump shot and his ability to run the floor as a big man is awesome. I do not see him being an all star in coming years, but maybe when he hits 27 or 28 I believe he can do some real damage.
Swampy
Guest
I like the guy's fire but what I saw in summer league was he poked the bear when he matched up with Ben Simmons and came off second best. Portis was yapping continuously at Simmons and he eventually had enough. He actually started playing D on Portis for three minutes straight and Portis couldn't get the ball, couldn't move Simmons (who must be super strong for a 19 year old) and the one occassion he managed to get a pass in the post Simmons forced him backwards to almost the 3 pt line and he had to give the ball up. This from a guy that is going to be an All Star? I don't think so. Bobby Portis will be a good rotation player, maybe a starter on a bad team. But if he gets shut down by a rookie in summer league, whom everyone suggests is not a good defender (I beg to differ - lazy maybe) then he's not ever lining up on All-Star Sunday. Summer League is honestly the worst possible place to evaluate player performance via stats. Some of the teams are filled out by players who would barely make an NBL squad. I saw one guy who was about 6'4" but as wide as a tank dominate the glass with effort and hustle and I thought 'gee this guy can play a bit' then he got fouled and shot an airball and clanked the next ft off the backboard and I realised 'OK - that's why he ain't in the league'. Bobby Portis is a superior version of that guy - bigger, faster, more athletic and shoots much much better but that's what you need to just be in the NBA. D'Angelo Russell is a much better chance of becoming an All Star. in his summer league games he played with the confidence that he was superior to every other player on the court. Which he was. Expect a good year from him if he doesn't break up any more celebs engagements!