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Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

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  • Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

    We continue the draft analysis articles for 2015 with a look at Arkansas power forward Bobby Portis, writing this just 6 days before the draft takes place in Brooklyn on June 25.

    This is the 12th in the series for this season. In previous editions, we have looked in depth at Kevon Looney, Tyus Jones, Jerien Grant, Frank Kaminsky, Kelly Oubre, Stanley Johnson, Myles Turner, Devin Booker, Cameron Payne, Trey Lyles, and Willie Cauley-Stein. You can find all of those profiles elsewhere on this site.

    Portis has the prototypical size to be an NBA frontcourt player. He measured in at the NBA combine at 6'10 1/2, with a wingspan of 7'2, and a weight of 246lbs. Portis, the SEC player of the year in his sophomore season in Fayetteville, was born on February 10, 1995, which means he won't turn 21 until near the mid-season break next season.

    Portis won that player of the year award via putting up very impressive numbers. Last year he averaged 17.5ppg and 8.9rebounds per night in 29.5 minutes per game. He shot 14/30 in limited attempts from the three point line, and 73.7% from the line. Combine those numbers with an intelligence and strong work ethic, and you have a first round draft pick and a future millionaire.

    The future is bright for the young man from Little Rock and Hall High School. But that was far from a sure thing just a few years ago.

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    Many athletes have inspiring stories, and have come from dire circumstances to achieve success.....but while we hear those stories all too often, it is still good to celebrate a kid who achieved all he has through the adversity he has faced in his childhood, and also celebrate the man who probably saved this kid from a far different outcome in his life.

    Portis grew up as the oldest son in a family of 4 boys, raised in poverty in the inner city slums of Little Rock by his mother Tina. Bobby never knew his own father, and had to grow up quickly as their mother struggled to keep them fed and to just survive the crippling poverty they all faced. Often semi-homeless, Portis estimates they moved 7-8 times at least during his upbringing, as his mom struggled working 2 or 3 part time minimum wage jobs to keep their rent payments up. They often stayed with friends or acquaintances of Tina, in a very unstable environment.

    Domestic violence was unfortunately part of the package that Bobby had to deal with. Living with at the time an abusive boyfriend of Tina, finally one night when Bobby was a young teenager things came to a head. At first, Bobby tried to ignore the fights and violence and evil that surrounded his everyday life, but on this night, he finally rose and stopped the attack on his mother personally, saving her from a beating and getting his 3 younger brothers away from that exact situation.

    Growing up in poverty and violence this extreme would have an effect on anyone, and it had an effect on Portis. I found a video that CBS did on his life that I will link here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EIQ6OLQrxdE. ESPN also did a story on him this past season, and I will link it here for you: http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bask...olence-prosper

    Now, here comes the positive part of the story: Portis, who obviously was tall and athletic at a young age, was somehow found by Arkansas folk hero, and former NBA player Corliss Williamson. Williamson came back to his home state and found Portis, and helped provide him with the access to AAU basketball and practice, but also just the necessary basics of life such as food and clothing. Williamson made millions in the NBA, and used his resources from playing basketball to really save this particular kid (and others unnamed I am sure) from the downward spiral of sadness his life could have easily turned toward.

    Portis, through Williamson, got invites to national camps throughout his high school years, and finally helped him get a scholarship at the University of Arkansas, playing for Mike Anderson. And now, Portis is on the precipice of fulfilling a dream of his to financially take care of his mother and 3 brothers, a dream which would have had to have seemed unimaginable on that dark night shielding his mother just 5 years ago.

    No matter where Portis ends up, I will be rooting for him next season.

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    But to examine where he may end up, let's put his game under the microscope.

    Portis really has only 1 premier skill, but it is an important one: He plays his guts out every night, every second that he is in. Portis PLAYS HARD, WITH PASSION AND INTENSITY THAT STANDS OUT. Make no mistake, playing hard is a skill!!!!! This manifests itself in all areas of the game, so let's discuss him first from a defensive standpoint.

    Portis profiles as an above average defender in every way except for rim protection......Portis denies his man the catch better than anyone in this draft, due to his quickness, defensive toughness, and very high defensive IQ. It is hard to catch the ball against Portis, let alone score. This comes mainly from a clear understanding of the defensive scouting report (his defensive IQ is very high from what I see on tape), as he clearly diagnoses plays and sniffs out opportunities to make plays. He is a deflection machine, and is always in the right place and doing the right thing defensively. He is not a great athlete, but he is a good one and his athleticism plays up due to his makeup.

    His defensive slides on the perimeter are very impressive. He will be able to switch most ballscreen situations or hard hedge them, or blitz them if you so choose. Portis would fit in much better with a team who plays that way, rather than a team who fades back and funnels the ballhandler. Most teams actually don't play it that way, so this skill will only manifest itself in certain defensive schemes.

    I do NOT think, unlike some of the premier defenders in this draft (of which there are a handful) that he will be good enough to guard the ultimate star wing players in this league who use quickness and athleticism to blow by people.....he doesn't possess that type of elite athleticism of players like Stein, Mudiay, Johnson, Winslow, or Jefferson to be a defensive stopper per se, but I do think he will be an excellent utility defender on all of the stretch 4 guys in the league, and I think he will be a fine team defender.

    But he might be able to do it in short stints or on some switches....and you can bet he will not make mental mistakes and he will always give you high effort.

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    The former Razorback does have some defensive weaknesses, that all stem from his overall main weakness as a basketball player. That weakness is this: Portis can't jump worth a damn unless he has a running start, and even then he isn't explosive at all.

    Defensively, that means he can't quite contest shots as high in the sky as you want him to, and he actually struggles to defend players his own size, because they simply shoot over him. This is one reason why I think you'll always have to play some sort of high quality rebounder or rim protector with him IF you plan on having an above average overall defense. Fundamentally he will be there and the effort will be honest, but he just can't get off the ground quickly enough or high enough to bother some shooters.

    As a post defender, he will give you high effort and will battle you all game long. He does have a tendency to get a bit flat to his man, so occasionally he will get sealed in too deep if you set him up that way, but by and large though undersized a bit due to his inability to leap, he will hold his own. Much like our own Jeff Foster, his best defense in the post comes prior to the catch, because if his man sets up weakly or lazy inside, he will come around him and steal a couple of post feeds a night if teams aren't alert.

    If you could somehow match him up with a non shooting threat, he'd be an IDEAL guy to roam a bit as a free safety, and double team the post or just use his high diagnostic skills to gum up the other teams set pieces.

    But, because he can't jump yet gives high effort, this is a guy who is going to get posterized occasionally, because he will stick his nose in the way of just about anyone, yet he can't block or effect the shot of most people driving at him. If Portis is in your way, it is a green light to just attack the rim since he is largely attached to the wood surface. He will get the occasional block from off the ball because of awareness and hustle of course, but he isn't going to get any one on one blocks or anything.

    And, and this is no small thing: Portis an outstanding talker and communicator defensively....the best and most boisterous talker I saw all year. That will make him a coaches favorite.

    To sum it up defensively, Portis is a high effort, intense, effective defender who lacks the ability to jump but makes his impact with activity, IQ, and hustle. He is not elite and he is not a rim protector, but he will give you an honest effort and follow your plan, and give you some flexibility on how to guard the screen roll game and all the flex 4's who are becoming prevalent. A perimeter oriented 6'8 guy would be about the ideal matchup for him.


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    As a rebounder, it is very much a grab bag of great traits and problems with his game....beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    As an offensive rebounder, he is a stud. Portis has that great knack of knowing where the ball is going to go, and he is relentless in pursuit of it. Portis can slide thru skinny areas, and he is hard to block out because he is always moving. He can't jump very high, but since he reads the ball better than most he can jump quicker into the air and get his hands on balls that others wouldn't have gone for.

    This all sounds great, but it isn't all that helpful for some teams, because many teams will punt that offensive rebound in order to get back on defense. Therefore those teams won't like Portis as much as others will. Detroit won't be impressed by his pursuit of the ball, and neither will Dallas or Portland, just to name a few teams. Others who do will be very happy with his high offensive rebounding effort, and they will just count on him using hustle and speed to sprint back on D if necessary to catch up to the play.

    He also has an issue just like a dog does who chases a car....what do you do if you actually catch it? Since he can't really finish well over bigger dudes, Portis will have to be content with getting an offensive rebound and then kicking it back out to shooters the 3 or so times a game he gets a board like that. Kicking it out after O rebounds is new school basketball, but the analytic minded teams and coaches/scouts (like I am) will want that ball passed out for 3 point attempts instead of off balance put backs over lengthy shot blockers.

    Now, this non blocking out style is perfect for offensive rebounding, and if I were coaching him in the NBA game, I'd tell him to not really block out much defensively as well. Mainly because Portis sucks at blocking out.

    His body is awkward, and he gets manhandles and knocked off balance when he spends too much time trying to hold ground rather than pursue the ball. Also, from a block out position he can't jump, and some dudes just reach over him or out leap him for the ball anyway.

    He isn't going to be able to block out well against some strong bigs, he never has and he never will. This is why he needs to guard perimeter dudes and smaller players if he can. I'd also tell him myself just to hit the guy he is supposed to check out to stop his momentum, and tell him just to go get the damn ball.....but not everyone things blocking out is as overrated (for some people ) as the man typing this.

    Bottom line: Portis is a high effort but physically limited rebounder in total....he will chase offensive rebounds well if you allow him to do so, but he isn't going to be some dominant glass eating guy due to his rather key deficiencies at this advanced level.

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    For Portis to have scored 17.5 points a game is impressive in college.

    But, he didn't get them in all that impressive ways, and I am not sure how it will all translate.

    His outside shot is his bread and butter, but I am worried about it for his sake. His form is unconventional to say the least, and I think it will have to be changed to be successful at a high level.

    if you watch him shoot it, Portis really moves the ball oddly. He brings the ball up very very high, and very mechanically and slowly. He brings it WAY over and back of his head, and fires it from that odd angle. he'd be much smoother and better off if he moved it much lower and in front of his body. Most of my shooting expert coaches that I know at the high school level do think he can fix this in time if the team that takes him chooses to do so.

    But right now, his release is so slow that I believe NBA defenses will be able to recover to him almost all of the time, taking his best weapon away from him. I also do NOT believe that he will ever become a 3 point shooter, so I think his future is as a mid range jump shooter who would greatly benefit from playing with a top scorer who could set him up for shots with extra room.

    He can be a pick/pop weapon in time, IF he changes his form and quickens his shot up. But I can't guarantee that after he speeds his shot up that he will be as accurate as he was in college. I THINK he will, but I can't say it for sure.

    What will be interesting to me will be this: can he be a weapon as a ball screener, who "short rolls" and then acts as a playmaker in the middle of the floor? Think about Draymond Green in the finals, doing that against Cleveland after the Cavs blitzed Curry.....could Portis eventually do what Green did?

    It is unclear to me. He is unselfish, and he does see the floor well. But....he isn't explosive to score himself in those situations I don't think, and I am not sure if he can develop a floater game to shoot over length. We already pretty much know he can't jump over length inside, so I don't know how he could score doing that.....it is interesting to think and plan how he would be in a spread ballscreen offense.

    If a team thinks he can do that, then Portis has another weapon in his quill. But I don't think he can ultimately, which means for a team like that he would likely be a baseline spot up guy, except he doesn't have 3 point range and likely never will shooting the way he shoots now.

    He is more of a project offensively than other reports say in my opinion.

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    As a post guy, I think he can post up semi well, as long as he is being defended by a smaller guy. If a player his size or someone with strength is guarding him, then you'd be better off spacing the floor with him and clearing the lane.

    Portis struggles mainly in the post in a couple of ways. First, he can't "plant his flag" and hold his ground....Portis is always getting pushed out onto the floor pretty easily, forcing him to begin his move 16 feet away or so on average. He works so hard to get position that sometimes he can seal and pin a guy deep, but that is usually just taking advantage of a defensive mistake, instead of making a true top level play.

    So that means he ends up facing up, which is ok because he has a nice touch and range up to 18 feet or so. But because his release is so slow and high, he is somewhat easy to guard or at least crowd. He can always get his shot off due to the high firing point, but to be accurate he needs extra room I feel. The only guy I have ever seen who held it that way and shot successfully was Robert Parish....and Portis is no Parish.

    His other problem in the post is that he only has the ability to make the first move. if whatever move he tries doesn't work, he is messed up and can't counter anything. I do think, if he gets on the right team, that he can become much more of a post technician, because he does seem very intelligent basketball wise and very coachable....but he still will lack explosion and finishing ability over length no matter what you do, unless he magically becomes seriously better at getting off the ground.

    As a face up driver, he is solely a "right foot" driver, and he also shoots much better if he can make that "one-two" step with his left foot hitting the ground first so he can step into the shot with his right foot. If he tries to drive using his other foot stepping first, he is a turnover waiting to happen, and his accuracy decreases big time in tapes I watched in games and workouts if he tried to shoot it without that specific footwork. And when he attacks a closeout, he has to drive it with the right foot going first no matter what, and even then he struggles to have the skill needed to drive in an exact straight line right at the rim, instead his first step is often a bit sideways, which will allow NBA defenders to recover to him.

    So, offensively I think we still have a project to some degree, who has a ways to go to figure out the best ways for him to fit in and to hide his athletic limitations the best way possible.

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    So, what do we have in Bobby Portis?

    I think we have a passionate, ball busting player who is an extremely hard worker full of intangible things coaches will love. I think he is a defensive weapon, especially in certain situations and defensive systems, as a guy who can defend multiple positions in short bursts, and who will make your overall team defense better. The coaches will love his passion, how hard he plays, how he listens and processes information, and how he runs the floor. Coaches will wish their more talented players played as hard or cared as much as Portis does.

    We also have a sensitive kid who has reached the highest highs despite experiencing some serious lows in his home life, a small town Arkansas kid who is going to reach the big time and change his family's future big time next Thursday. I am proud of Portis, and all sports fans should be. Kudos to all of his teachers, coaches, neighbors, and especially Corliss Williamson, who helped a kid survive a harsh existence when he didn't have to.

    Ultimately, he isn't as talented or as gifted as other players in this draft, but you can't help but cheer for him as he starts his career.

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    Despite that flowery praise, I'd pass on Portis at #11 personally if I were Indiana as there is simply no way he will be the best player available at that time. I love the work ethic and intelligence, but he simply isn't that good in my eyes for this level, and I think he projects as a 9th or 10th guy on a good team. A high character guy for your bench is great, but not at pick #11. I am sure Indiana will feel the same, so unless you trade down somehow, there is no way Portis is a Pacer next week, in my opinion.

    On top of that, I don't think his skills really fit our needs, and I think he is much more of a project offensively than other teams will probably. To me he ranks behind the guys I have liked so far and have endorsed as players we could draft that I could be excited about (in alphabetical order): Booker, Johnson, Kaminsky, Payne and Stein. I would rank him ahead of everyone else I previewed this year TO THIS POINT however, for whatever that is worth.

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    So, if Portis isn't going to be a Pacer, where will he end up, and where would he fit best?

    I think his range should be just after us, somewhere between 12 and 20. I think he has a real chance to go to Phoenix at pick #13, where they can teach him to shoot and could really use his intensity and defense. Atlanta at #15 also is possible, as is Milwaukee at #17 and Washington at #19.

    I think he might end up at in the Valley of the Sun. But, I will give you a wild-card team that I think will LOVE Portis's background, character, and style of play....and I am guessing that they will strongly consider him and might just shock us all and take him depending on how the board falls: Miami at #10.

    Riley loves character guys who play hard, and he needs insurance for his front line guys. Portis fits their defensive scheme perfectly with how hard he plays and how he can switch or blitz ballscreens. Don't be shocked if Miami trades back, picks up an asset, and picks Portis behind us.....I see the Heat pick at #10 being for sale, and I can see a team trading ahead of us to pick Stein if he is there, or maybe someone else who is falling.

    Riley has never taken a "one and done" player yet, and we know he values character and toughness. Portis looks like a Riley type of player to me on a trade down scenario more than any other likelihood.

    ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Another reason I think Riley will like him is the NBA comparable that he reminds me the most of.

    NBA comparable: Udonis Haslem

    As always, the above is just my opinion, discussion and disagreement is very welcome.

    Other articles are coming from me in the coming days on a variety of draft topics, so stay tuned!

    Tbird

  • #2
    Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

    Thanks Tbird. I was wondering if you would have the same opinion that we should pass on Portis. So far it seems that your awesome research is matching up with my non-scientific eye test all across the board. LOL! Still would rather land Kaminsky or WCS(than Booker, Payne, Johnson) for obvious reasons, but all five I could live with.
    Last edited by presto123; 06-20-2015, 12:27 AM.

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    • #3
      Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

      Appreciate the review. Was curious to hear another perspective. Doesn't sound like a kind of guy who will eventually replace Hibbert or West.
      I'd rather die standing up than live on my knees.

      -Emiliano Zapata

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      • #4
        Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

        It seems this draft is deep in the sense that there will be 10-12 real impact players, but then there is a steep dropoff. It's not a great draft if you're drafting 16th, so there really was a big difference between making and missing the playoffs this season.

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        • #5
          Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

          Originally posted by imawhat View Post
          It seems this draft is deep in the sense that there will be 10-12 real impact players, but then there is a steep dropoff. It's not a great draft if you're drafting 16th, so there really was a big difference between making and missing the playoffs this season.
          I'm with you. I really wanted us to make the playoffs but man, the difference between the guys that should be available at 11 compared to 16 is crazy, at least as far as I can tell.

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          • #6
            Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

            Reading that Portis is limited offensively drops him below Lyles in my opinion.

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            • #7
              Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

              Thanks for these reports as always, Tbird. Portis was one I particularly looked forward to.

              Still a fan I think, due to his intensity and defense. But I agree now that if the Pacers are to acquire him, it should be more of a trade down scenario. FWIW I did think he can play the Draymond Green role on offense.

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              • #8
                Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                What separates Portis from a player like David West? From everything I've seen and read that's his NBA comparable: a high character locker room guy and leader on and off the court, supreme hustle/effort to make up for a lack of athleticism, solid midrange game and moderately successful in the post when necessary.

                This is why he's become my draft crush: from everything I've read, he seems like the perfect player to step into DWest's role after next season.

                Am I missing something? What makes him more Udonis Haslem and less David West?

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                • #9
                  Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                  Originally posted by Professor S View Post
                  What separates Portis from a player like David West? From everything I've seen and read that's his NBA comparable: a high character locker room guy and leader on and off the court, supreme hustle/effort to make up for a lack of athleticism, solid midrange game and moderately successful in the post when necessary.

                  This is why he's become my draft crush: from everything I've read, he seems like the perfect player to step into DWest's role after next season.

                  Am I missing something? What makes him more Udonis Haslem and less David West?
                  Great question. I was wondering the same thing.

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                  • #10
                    Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                    Originally posted by Professor S View Post
                    What separates Portis from a player like David West? From everything I've seen and read that's his NBA comparable: a high character locker room guy and leader on and off the court, supreme hustle/effort to make up for a lack of athleticism, solid midrange game and moderately successful in the post when necessary.

                    This is why he's become my draft crush: from everything I've read, he seems like the perfect player to step into DWest's role after next season.

                    Am I missing something? What makes him more Udonis Haslem and less David West?
                    Offense separates them. David has a fine release and is MUCH more reliable in the post. David also has great decision making with the ball in his hands. I think West's offensive level is probably unattainable for Portis.

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                    • #11
                      Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                      I watched Portis play quite a bit this past season, and liked him. I've said all along he's better than Turner and Looney, and T-Bird's analysis has proved what I've said all along. BUT Portis isn't enough quality to draft at #11, nor from what T-Bird said the right type player to fit into the Pacers "D" system. It is extremely important the Pacers get the right fit for the team and future. I have to say I'm disappointed as I thought with Portis being one of the last players analysis he'd be at the top of T-Bird's list. If Bird traded back, lets say with Boston for #16 and #28, I wouldn't have a problem drafting Portis at #16 knowing he'd be a good rotational player. If no trade, there are better players for the Pacers to draft.

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                      • #12
                        Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                        Originally posted by Justin Tyme View Post
                        If Bird traded back, lets say with Boston for #16 and #28, I wouldn't have a problem drafting Portis at #16 knowing he'd be a good rotational player. If no trade, there are better players for the Pacers to draft.
                        If a trade like that were made, then I think you are drafting for roster depth at both 16 and 28. If you are keeping the 11th pick you should hope to get a starter. Maybe not an immediate starter, but a player who could assume that role in fairly short order.

                        So, I guess the question becomes which do the Pacers need more, a player who could quickly become a starter, or two players who could provide more depth?

                        In the Pacers' situation, I would think a soon to be starter.
                        Last edited by Tom White; 06-20-2015, 10:25 AM.

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                        • #13
                          Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                          Originally posted by funnyguy1105 View Post
                          Offense separates them. David has a fine release and is MUCH more reliable in the post. David also has great decision making with the ball in his hands. I think West's offensive level is probably unattainable for Portis.
                          Appreciate the response. Perhaps you're right. I see a guy who isn't 21 yet and his release is fixable and post moves are teachable. West slipped to 18th in a draft where (in retrospect) he should've been a top 5 pick due to lack of perceived upside. I see a lot of similarities between him and Portis.

                          If he's truly more like Haslem then I won't be upset if we pass. If he's more like DWest think I'd hate to miss out on him because we're chasing "upside" with guys like Turner or Lyles.

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                          • #14
                            Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                            David West was seen as a hustle, physical frontcourt player coming out of school. It also took him 3 seasons to really find his groove as a player.

                            I'm not saying Portis will become David West ish. But often times the difference between a Haslem and a D.West are the skills and confidence they develop once they get into the league. I'll take a guy with size, length, elite activity, and a face up jumper any day. With his background, he will definitely do everything he can to try and maximize his potential.

                            If he's here or he's somewhere else, I think Portis will be one of those tough guys on winning teams for years to come. I could see why Bird or anyone else would want players who have more tangible skills, but Portis is still one of my favorites in the draft. Should be interesting to see where he goes
                            Last edited by Ace E.Anderson; 06-20-2015, 10:37 AM.

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                            • #15
                              Re: Tbird 2015 NBA Draft Analysis #12: Bobby Portis

                              Originally posted by Tom White View Post
                              If a trade like that were made, then I think you are drafting for roster depth at both 16 and 28. If you are keeping the 11th pick you should hope to get a starter. Maybe not an immediate starter, but a player who could assume that role in fairly short order.

                              So, I guess the question becomes which do the Pacers need more, a player who could quickly become a starter, or two players who could provide more depth?

                              In the Pacers' situation, I would think a soon to be starter.

                              What you are saying has validity, but it also depends on what players are available at #16 and #28.

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