The big selling point on changing coaches from Tom Thibodeau to Fred Hoiberg was the latter would help develop rookies by playing them. Hoiberg contentiously mentioned that he’d give Bobby Portis a fair shake at rotation minutes, especially since Portis erupted during the summer league and NBA preseason. After watching his buddy Cameron Bairstow average 14 points per games and eight rebounds per game in five games with the D-league, Portis is licking his chops to get an opportunity to play anywhere.
“Once the time comes, I’ll show the world what Bobby Portis can do. The D League’s great for getting better. People hear D-League and think, ‘Oh, man, he’s in the D-League’, it’s not about the D-League. It’s about getting reps and getting ready.” – Bobby Portis
“I think I’d play good. I’ve been sitting there waiting and waiting. Once the time comes, I’ll show the world what Bobby Portis can do.” – Bobby Portis
“He’s doing all he has to to keep himself ready when this name is called which will happen and most likely sometime soon” – Fred Hoiberg on Bobby Portis
With Bobby Portis walking into a front-court rotation nightmare as a rookie, Fred Hoiberg’s hands are tied when it comes to help freeing Bobby Portis from the bench. With the way things are falling into place next summer with Pau Gasol openly stating that he’ll opt out, and Joakim Noah possibly leaving Chicago for a bigger paycheck, Portis’ time is coming soon.
