Should the Chicago Bulls consider trading Bobby Portis?
Bobby Portis had a breakout year in 2017-2018 for the Chicago Bulls. What could we get in return for Portis if we try to test the market?
Free Bobby Portis. The saying became commonplace as Bobby Portis struggled to garner minutes for the Chicago Bulls through his first two seasons with the team. Entangled in a beef with Nikola Mirotic before the onset of the season seemed to be the beginning of the end for Portis in Chicago. Fortunately, we saw Portis have a breakthrough season and inflate his trade value whilst doing so.
Predominantly, Bobby has played with an irrefutable zeal we have not witnessed since Taj Gibson. Conceivably, there is a bright future ahead for Bobby Portis and the Chicago Bulls. However, I can also foresee Portis getting flipped for prospective assets.
The Case Against Trading Bobby Portis
Subjectively, Portis is an efficient basketball player. His win shares this season almost added up to his first two seasons. He had a positive win above replacement level for the first time in his career. His PER rated above the league average of 15 for the initial time. Bear in mind we were 7.9 points better with Bobby Portis on the floor than when he was riding the pine. All things considered, he made the Chicago Bulls a better team.
Adjoining, Portis is a de facto threat from the outside. He fired 3.1 three-pointers a game and hit 1.1, his highest three-point percentage to date. Also, he shot well at the charity stripe, hovering around 77%. Considerably, his stroke looked tremendously refined.
Not to mention, his confidence and never back down attitude is a spectacle to behold. Look at Portis raining threes over unicorn Joel Embiid like he was prime Dirk Nowitzki.
Stacey King put it best, “Find that man every time he’s down the floor! Find him!” Evidently, he impacted the game in every aspect. By sizing up Sixers’ bigs from behind the arc, Bobby made them uncomfortable. Truly, Portis is a unique talent for a 23-year old and proves he can reach down into his bag to show a wide variety of offensive moves.
Entailing, Bobby has displayed gradual progression. In his first two seasons, Bobby Portis hovered around 15 points, 10 boards, and 1 assists per 36 minutes. He climbed up to astronomical numbers this season. Bobby averaged 21.1 points, 10.9 boards, and 2.9 assists per 36 minutes. Moreover, he more than doubled last years’ scoring output. Clearly, these statistics embody his improved acumen as a scorer.
Subjectively, Portis is an efficient basketball player. His win shares this season roughly added up to comprise his first two seasons. Noticeably, He had a positive win above replacement level for the first time in his career. In fact, his PER rated above the league average of 15 for the first time. Furthermore, we were 7.9 points better with Bobby Portis on the floor versus than when he was riding the pine.
Fundamentally, Bobby is a dynamic dissertation of the modern big man. Coming into the league as a power forward, Portis vaunted his capability to slide down to the 5 this season. He played 47% at center and 53% at power forward, a major switch up from the prior season. In the preceding season, he played only 23% at center whilst playing 77% at power forward. Principally, he is a power forward that was forced to play center because of Lauri’s emergence at the position.
The Case for Trading Bobby Portis
Alas, Bobby is not cut out to play center. Bobby had a legit issue defending opponents at the rim. He let opponents shoot 63.4% from less than 6 feet. Likewise, he had difficulty defending players from less than 10 feet, allowing opponents to finish bunnies at 61.6%. Altogether, his fit with Lauri as a liability as a rim protector looms as a major concern. In due time, a rim protector like Mo Bamba or Clint Capela will render Portis expendable.
Encompassing, Portis had an erratic season. In December and January, Portis played his most efficient basketball to date. He had an offensive rating of 113.2 in December and a 112.2 in January. His defensive rating was a stifling 100.2 in December and was a respectable 106.8 in January. Correspondingly, in these two months, he averaged 20 minutes or less per game. In contrast, he averaged upwards of 20 minutes in other months. Clearly, an uptick in minutes meant a less efficient Bobby Portis.
Has Bobby hit his peak as a 20 minutes per game type-player? Is he merely an off the bench spark plug? To an extent, I think he is with the way our roster is structured. He just may not fit in the grand scheme of things, with Lauri already filling the role as a stretch 4. To add, he may be looking for a bigger role when we simply do not have one. Everything being, don’t be surprised if trade rumors surface next year.
In essence, should we snag young talent and first-round picks in return for Bobby Portis? After all, Portis is not a once-in-a-lifetime talent that should be kept off the trade block. Subsequently, let’s ascertain what assets we can get in return for Bobby.
What is He Worth?
Similarly to Nikola Mirotic, Bobby is a stretch 4 who should command a mid-to-late first round pick. In the end, the best decision is to let the beginning of the season play out. Whereas, Bobby will inevitably score 15 and grab 8 rebounds a night on the tanking Bulls.
Trade Proposals
1) Bobby Portis for Kelly Oubre and a lottery protected 2019 first round pick
2) Bobby Portis for Justin Patton and a lottery protected 2019 first round pick
3) Bobby Portis for D.J. Wilson, Sterling Brown, and a lottery protected 2019 first round pick
The Wizards could be looking to improve their depth at the power forward position. Additionally, Tom Thibodeau could adjudicate that he does not have enough former Bulls and make a move. Consider the Bucks, with the possibility they lose Jabari this Summer and realize Thon Maker isn’t ready for the big leagues.
Next: What should the Chicago Bulls do with Robin Lopez?
Considering all three teams will feasibly contend next year, a lottery protected pick is fair. Currently, Portis is a vital young talent to our developing squad. On the other hand, Bobby has potential as a floor-spacing big man but there is a likelihood he has reached his ceiling. A trade could happen. All the while, fans should cherish Bobby Portis balling in a Bulls uniform.