Longtime teammate Bobby Portis Jr. details how the Miami Heat's new-look shooting depth dismantles defensive walls, providing the perfect blueprint for the Greek Freak to dominate in South Beach.
MIAMI, Fla. – There have been several questions raised about the Miami Heat’s roster surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, whether it’s shooting, depth, and fit; meanwhile, a long-time teammate sees no issue.
Bobby Portis Jr. has been teammates with the 10-time All-Star for the last six seasons. He played a strong role in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2020-21 championship run – ending a 50-year drought. Portis Jr. knows what it takes to find success with Antetokounmpo as the centerpiece and sees the Heat having the same ingredients.
“With Giannis, one thing you’re going to consistently see is the wall,” he said at Media Day on Monday. “You have to be familiar with it. It’s like three guys locking their arms together trying to stop the drive. It forces him to pass out to guys. Our job is to make the wall go away so he can play one-on-one with his advantages. I think our roster fits his skill set really well.”
Three-point shooting was an emphasis this summer once the Antetokounmpo blockbuster trade was reported. In doing so, the Heat signed four-time champion Klay Thompson and Sixth Man of the Year finalist Tim Hardaway Jr. Also, the roster already had some complementary floor-spacers, such as Andrew Wiggins, Pelle Larsson, Simone Fontecchio, and Davion Mitchell.
Portis Jr. adds to the collection as a career 39.3 percent three-point shooter.
Antetokounmpo is regarded as one of the most dominant players in league history. He’s averaged a double-double in eight of his last nine seasons, including two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year, seven All-NBA First Team selections, and a Finals MVP. Antetokounmpo has the capabilities of taking the Heat over the top, especially with the right supporting cast, according to Portis Jr.’s analysis.
The 31-year-old was a significant plus involved in the trade. Portis Jr. is a versatile forward who can play all frontcourt positions, including as an undersized center, but can stretch the floor, back down defenders in the post, and shoot the midrange. The former first-round pick in 2015 has a 6-9 and 250-pound frame to deliver a paint presence. He’s expected to have an impactful role on the Heat’s bench unit.
Portis Jr. has finished in the top 10 in Sixth Man of the Year in three of the last seven seasons, including twice as a finalist. He’s known to be an intense defender, which is an embodiment of the Heat’s core values. The 12-year veteran played for the Chicago Bulls, New York Knicks, and Washington Wizards before leaving a championship mark on Milwaukee.
The Heat fan base is quickly growing fond of Portis Jr. and what he can deliver for the upcoming 2026-27 season. As training camp started at Florida Atlantic University on Tuesday and is scheduled through Friday, there will likely be some clashes behind closed doors.
It's the beginning of a new chapter within the franchise's history.
Anthony Aguirre covers the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat for Roundtable Sports. Contact info for tips/info: [email protected] & 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
