Chicago Bulls 2017-18 player preview: Bobby Portis
Previewing the Chicago Bulls 2017-2018 roster, player by player. Today we’ll be previewing Bobby Portis.
After a less than impressive rookie season, Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis didn’t get much of an opportunity to show any improvement this last season. Although he hasn’t done much thus far, Portis hasn’t really been given an opportunity to succeed in Chicago up until now. With a full commitment to a rebuild, Portis could be primed for a breakout season.
Last season
In his second year in Hoiberg’s system, Portis was given fewer minutes than his rookie season. Portis fell victim to a roster loaded with other forwards who played ahead of him. Forwards such as Taj Gibson and Doug McDermott were given more playing time than Portis. However, since Gibson and McDermott were traded Portis will be given more minutes.
According to statistics gathered by ESPN.com, Portis played only 15.6 minutes per game. Although he didn’t play much, Portis became more efficient from the field. Portis went from shooting .427 from the field his rookie season to .488 this last season. Similarly, Portis improved his shooting from three, .308 his rookie season to .333.
Although Portis was more efficient, statistically he didn’t improve anywhere else much at all.
What to expect this season
With the roster opened up, Portis should be given significantly more playing time. Although Chicago still potentially has Nikola Mirotic and drafted rookie Lauri Markkanen, Portis should still be given more minutes than he has averaged in the past. Currently, Mirotic has not been re-signed with the Bulls and last season the Bulls were looking to trade him at the trade deadline. Therefore, it’s likely Mirotic doesn’t return or gets shopped this season which would warrant more playing time for Portis.
Portis will be a reliable scoring presence off the bench. Given enough playing time, it wouldn’t be unreasonable to expect a double-double off the bench from Portis. Although that’s a very optimistic prediction for Portis, given how he can be inserted into the lineup, it’s very possible.
Not only can Portis stretch the floor, but so can rookie Lauri Markkanen. Markkanen will most likely be one of Chicago’s more preferred scoring options, so in a small ball lineup with both of these two, this will designate Portis to play the five.
Given enough time, I believe Portis could be a quality role player for Chicago with the potential for a breakout.
Next: Zach Lavine preview for the 2017-2018 season
There’s no doubt that Portis is one of the key components of the Chicago Bulls rebuild. All the kid needs is the time to prove his talent and he has been patient. Don’t expect him to be an all star, but he can definitely be a reliable bench option. I think this season, Portis’s ceiling is averaging a double-double off the bench. However, it’ll be interesting to see how Hoiberg utilizes him this season and how Portis can capitalize on his opportunities.