Former Chicago Bulls F Bobby Portis is the subject of a mini documentary that attempts to chronicle his life and career but leaves viewers longing for more.
In this approximately eight-minute film, the viewers get a glimpse into the story behind former Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis and the launch of his self-titled foundation.
Entering his fifth season in the league, Portis has become a figure that, in some ways, can be viewed as misunderstood.
Now, in a new mini documentary with Closeup 360: The Player’s World Off the Court, Portis gets to tell his story. The film includes footage with Zach LaVine, Wendell Carter Jr., Antonio Blakeney and others.
The film starts with a headshot of Portis that rotates in slow motion before cutting to images of a bridge, a trolley and the Hanger Hill neighborhood where he grew up.
A short time later, a photo of Portis donning a red suit takes center screen.
It’s 2015. The Bulls are trying to find a way to remain relevant in the league after several early exits from the playoffs. It’s the night of the NBA Draft, and the Bulls are on the clock to make a first-round draft selection. With the No. 22 overall pick, the Bulls pick Portis, a big man out of the University of Arkansas.
It’s important to know where Portis has been in order to understand where he currently stands and where he’s headed. In the film, Portis speaks on how his mother raised he and his three younger brothers on her own. For Portis, establishing a foundation to give back to single mothers makes sense.
"“I knew that me coming from Little Rock, me having a single mom growing up, that kind of drew me to having a single mom foundation,” Portis said."
The film turns to scenes of the neighborhood where Portis grew up. Not unlike the story of many NBA stars, Portis overcame a lot to get to where he is today.
In the film, Portis recounts how at about age 10, he witnessed people getting shot at a car wash, just one block away from where he stood.
"“I seen all type of things growing,” Portis said. “It’s just a crazy neighborhood to grow up in and kind of makes you want to do something great for your family and get out of there.”"
Viewers are taken on a nostalgic trip surrounding his time in Chicago when the film highlights appearances from Portis’ former Bulls teammates.
Blakeney heaped praise upon Portis for being a good teammate. As the film shows, the two became close friends during their time in Chicago.
"“He’s basically like a big brother to me,” Blakeney said. “When I signed with the Bulls on my two-way [contract,] he took me in. He was my vet. He showed me a lot. He taught me about giving back.”"
The film doesn’t dive deep into any of storylines about how Portis was traded to the Washington Wizards or how he signed a new deal with the New York Knicks earlier this summer. Instead, the mini documentary focuses on the launch of the Bobby Portis Foundation and the story behind it.
A time when Portis hosted an event in support of his foundation was highlighted in the film.
In closing the mini documentary, the words shared by LaVine ring true especially of Portis.
"“It’s always like a miracle story for some of these dudes and where they come and what they went through to become these multi-million dollar professional athletes,” LaVine said. “They’re also giving back and supporting their communities, so it’s really a good thing.”"