Bobby Portis’ Leap of Faith: How He Helped the Milwaukee Bucks Win a Championship
The Unlikely Story of How Bobby Portis' Belief in Himself and a Phone Call to Giannis Antetokounmpo Led to NBA Glory for the Milwaukee Bucks
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Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis. Images taken from USA Today Sports.
Bobby Portis may not have been the star player during the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship run in 2021, but he played a crucial role in helping the team secure its first NBA championship in 50 years. Portis became a fan favorite at the Fiserv Forum and endeared himself to the Milwaukee faithful with his relentless energy and tenacity on the court. However, his journey to the Bucks was a challenging one.
In November 2020, Bobby Portis signed with the Bucks after a lackluster season with the New York Knicks. His former team even declined his player option, indicating they did not believe he was worth his $15.8 million contract. However, Portis had faith in himself and his abilities and knew that he could contribute at a much higher level with the Bucks.
In a podcast appearance on JJ Redick’s Old Man and The Three, Portis revealed that he called Giannis Antetokounmpo and told him he could help him win a championship.
“[I told my agent], what about Milwaukee man? Do you have Giannis’ number or something? So I called him myself, and was like,” Portis said. “Hey, yo Giannis. You don’t know me, bro. I don’t know you. But I promise I can help you out win a championship. And six months later, we won the championship. That’s one of the craziest things ever, bro.”
“That is amazing,” Redick said. “I actually got chills when you said that”
Milwaukee Bucks Reward Bobby Portis with Four-Year, $48.6 Million Contract
Bobby Portis took a risk by joining the Milwaukee Bucks alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, and now, two years later, he is seeing the benefits. The Bucks have used their early bird rights to sign Portis to a four-year contract worth $48.6 million, a significant improvement compared to his previous shorter agreements with the team.
Portis’ hard work and dedication have paid off, and he is now a crucial part of the Bucks’ roster. He has proven himself a reliable scorer off the bench, with an average of 11.4 points per game during the 2020-2021 season. Portis has demonstrated his commitment to assisting his team in winning by being versatile in his playstyle, including scoring, grabbing rebounds, and playing aggressive defense.
The Bucks’ decision to sign Portis to a long-term contract is a testament to his value as a player and his importance to the team’s success. It also shows that the team is committed to building a roster that can compete for championships for years to come. Bobby Portis’ journey to the Milwaukee Bucks is a story of perseverance and determination. Despite facing doubts from his former team and the uncertainty of free agency, Portis believed in himself and his abilities.
Choosing to gamble on the Milwaukee Bucks has proven to be a wise decision for Bobby Portis, as he has reaped the rewards in terms of the team’s achievements and his financial security. With a long-term contract, Portis can continue his success with the Bucks and help them defend their championship title in future years.
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