Bobby Portis had a single mom who raised and taught him how to work hard for his points and rebounds. He averaged only 7.0 points and 5.4 rebounds per game, while shooting an average 30.8 percent from long range for the Bulls his rookie season.
But, a better look would be his production per-36 minutes of playing time: 14.2 points, 11 rebounds and 1.7 assists. We’ve seen Portis play better when he is involved in the offense on top of what he gets playing scrappy rebounder and run-out rim attacker.
With Pau Gasol likely leaving next year, there will be more playing time open for the younger Bulls front line and a bigger role as a possible starter.