“I have found a place to be myself”

In September of last year the Milwaukee Bucks said goodbye to the season with an inevitable feeling of frustration. Their confrontation with Miami in the conference semifinals had once again exposed the team’s offensive flaws, unable to recover after Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury in the fourth game. Boby Portis had seen it all and with free agency underway, he desperately called the Greek to assure him that his presence on the team would help them cover their mistakes. Giannis took his word for it in his customary good faith and implored management to take a look at Portis. Twelve months and a champion ring later, the pivot has it clear. “I have found happiness. A place to be myself ” sentence in his talk with Shams Charania to The Athletic.

Bobby has always been singled out for his controversial character, which led him to bond with Nikola Mirotic when they shared a dressing room in Chicago. Episode that marked the beginning of his career with fire. Since then, the center has always positively added to the teams whose jersey he has worn, but it was not until this year that he turned his character into a true competitive advantage and a source of infinite charisma for Bucks fans.

Seeing his playoff performance, many franchises have taken an interest in him. Among them Dallas or Miami. But now it was Giannis who was calling him back to convince him that it was best for him to stay in Milwaukee. Although Portis already knew that despite declining his option as a player. “He is an incredible leader. It makes you feel like you are his family ”.

Finally, the pivot signed for two seasons at a rate of $ 9 million in total. Surely giving up a somewhat higher amount, especially in the case of Mavericks. Nothing compared to what it means to find a real home for a player until recently on the run.

(Cover photo by Patrick McDermott / Getty Images)