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Why Bobby Portis Could Be A Perfect Big Man for Fred Hoiberg’s System

By Shehan Jeyarajah

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The Chicago Bulls had several needs going into the 2015 NBA Draft, and big man was not one of them. The Bulls already have issues with finding enough minutes for the four quality frontcourt players on their roster.

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Despite that, the Bulls picked up Arkansas forward Bobby Portis with their No. 22 pick in the draft on Thursday. Bulls GM Gar Forman said Portis was listed as a lottery prospect on their big board, and was too good to pass up.

While Portis does not necessarily fit next to the glut of giants on Chicago’s roster, he may be perfect for new coach Fred Hoiberg.

Hoiberg runs a fast-paced offense. After a defensive rebound, Iowa State pushed the ball almost every chance they got. Even when the Cyclones did not score a transition basket, they kept the ball moving and created opportunities in semi-transition.

Portis fits what Hoiberg coveted most. He’s a long, athletic big man who can protect the rim, but also get out into transition with the guards. After adding a player with similar length and athleticism, Jameel McKay, to the mix at Iowa State, the Cyclones went on to have one of their best seasons ever.

But while McKay was used much more as simply a rim protector and cleanup man, Portis has the skills to be even more. The Arkansas product made his living on the offensive end last season, scoring 17.5 points per game while earning SEC Player of the Year honors over all of the blue-chip prospects from Kentucky.

In addition to being able to run the floor, Portis has a versatile offensive skillset. He can take the ball inside, but can also step out and hit a jump shot. Bigs often play out of the high post in Hoiberg’s offense, which Portis can do.

The one knock on Portis is that he does not pass the ball well. In fact, he barely averaged over an assist per game both seasons at Arkansas. But passing from the high post is a skill that can be learned, and Joakim Noah and Pau Gasol are the perfect players to teach him.

His sophomore year, Portis played at around 230 pounds last season, but measured at 246 pounds at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. With the weight where it needs to be, Portis will now have to show he can still move the same way. But if he can, Portis projects to be an outstanding big man at the next level.

If Hoiberg sees Portis as a contributor next season, it somewhat forces management’s hand. The Bulls will have to give serious consideration to trading Noah or Taj Gibson, even though both are recovering from injuries at the moment.

Gibson and Noah are two of Chicago’s most beloved players, but their play has suffered over the past year. If Chicago can get a piece back for either, now might be the time to move them.

Next: Could Bobby Portis' arrival means a frontcourt trade is imminent?

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