Pippen Ain't Easy
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Chicago Bulls: Three positives from season opener loss

By Nicholas Niendorf

PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 18: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - OCTOBER 18: Zach LaVine #8 of the Chicago Bulls drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 18: Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – OCTOBER 18: Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls dribbles the ball against the Philadelphia 76ers on October 18, 2018 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Bobby Portis’ Sixth Man of the Year campaign starts now

Portis was perfect from the field in the first quarter on Thursday night’s game, scoring 13 points on five shots including a trio of three pointers.

What makes Portis so fun to watch is that it only takes two or three buckets in a row before he starts swaggering up and down the floor, shouting at opposing defenses and flexing. On a team with players who rarely get fired up, Portis is a magnet of energy. No matter the situation, he never lacks confidence.

Portis scored 20 points to go along with 11 rebounds, one steal, and one block. He played an all-around offensive game that saw him posting up players in isolation, shooting on the move, and hitting open midrange jumpers. He looked like he was in excellent shape and ran the floor really well the majority of the night. His post game looks smoother than it has in years past as well, and if his jumper can hold for an entire season, Portis will be a dangerous stretch big in this offense.

His pursuit of the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year award could actually catch fire this season. The award has historically gone to the player who scores the most points off the bench, typically disregarding all-around contributions. And while Portis provides a lot for the Bulls, the green light he has this year will give him his best shot at stuffing the box score for a run at the award. Markkanen’s return should see Portis return to the bench, keeping him eligible for the award while also allowing him to rack up starter-level points.

Despite contract extension negotiations with Chicago’s front office fizzling out, Portis recently declared that he hopes to be a Bull for life.

A Sixth Man of the Year nod would no doubt help Portis push for a bigger contract this upcoming summer, and help secure his future with Chicago.

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