While Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo is the face of the NBA franchise, teammate Bobby Portis believes he is the face of Milwaukee.
In an interview with Jim Ouzarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Portis was asked in what ways playing for the Bucks changed his life.
“In every way, man, obviously being on the basketball court, being on a championship team that has a chance to win a championship.” Portis replied.
According to some NBA betting sites, the Bucks have odds of winning another title in 2023. Find out what to expect from Milwaukee in another Finals appearance against the Greek Freaks.
In two short years, Bucs fan Bobby Portis felt at home in Milwaukee. So he convinced his younger brothers to go here and make their future in the city. Read more: https://t.co/fAHhgXZ8cl pic.twitter.com/RB3cRxVAkU
— Journal Sentinel (@journalsentinel) October 7, 2022
“Every season, you go into the season, there are five to eight teams that have a chance to win the championship. And I think we are one of those groups.
Last season, in 72 games, Portis averaged a career-high 14.6 points, 9.1 rebounds, and 1.2 assists per game. In the year In the 2021 NBA Finals, the center helped the Bucks win their first title since 1971 against the Phoenix Suns.
“So being on a championship team the last two years and moving forward is huge for me,” Portis continued. “Earlier in my career, I never had the chance to play meaningful games…”
“Obviously, when you get ready for a team, you love that team. And that team supports you. But once you cement yourself in a town like this, a low-market town, there’s not a lot of media attention here. But they love their sport here.
Bucks center Bobby Portis believes he is the face of Milwaukee.
Owczarski asked Portis how it feels to serve as an icon for Milwaukee. “Honestly, it’s an honor to even be able to represent a city like this,” the Arkansas product said.
Some younger fans in southern states may identify with Portis more than Antetokounmpo.
“Having the opportunity to be an ambassador for any city is good for any player, no matter what. But it’s a good partnership. I’m from Little Rock. This is Milwaukee. How people grow, how people grow is the same.”
The 27-year-old enjoyed hearing chants of “Bobby POTUS” and “People’s Champions” in the crowd. Fans nicknamed the Bucks center the “Mayor of Milwaukee.” He hasn’t gotten this much attention since his first few years in the league with the Chicago Bulls.
However, scouts weren’t sure how much of an impact Portis would have on the team’s roster. The Bulls selected him 22nd overall in the 2015 NBA Draft. And he played his first four seasons in the Windy City.
The Bulls then traded Bobby Portin to the Washington Wizards in 2019. Of course, after half a season with the Wizards, he signed with the New York Knicks.
Portis has fans in every city, but he never felt at home until he played in Milwaukee. That’s one reason for many that the center has no plans to leave anytime soon.
In June, Portis signed a four-year, $49 million extension with the Bucks. Therefore, it has been closed for a long time. The center also has a 2025-26 player option worth $13,445,754.
