The Miami Heat's decision to keep Bobby Portis in the return package for Giannis Antetokounmpo, and to not reroute him to another team, could end up paying huge dividends for the team this season. Even more so if ESPN's latest prediction about the Heat's upcoming season holds true.
In one of ESPN's latest season prediction articles, Bobby Portis was listed as a potential x-factor for the team this season.
"Much of the focus on Miami's roster holes has centered on the team's backcourt and shooting, but an even bigger hole might exist in its frontcourt...the Heat might have to rely on Portis as Adebayo's primary backup. He remains an effective offensive player, making 46% of his 3-pointers last season -- but his rim protection and overall defense might not be up to Spoelstra's standard."
Bobby Portis could be a secret weapon off the bench for the Heat
Portis, who is coming off one of the most efficient offensive seasons of his career a year ago, could realistically play a very important role for the Heat this season. As was stated in the ESPN article, there's a very good chance that Portis will emerge as the primary (and most consistent) backup behind both Giannis and Bam Adebayo.
If Portis can be as productive as he was last season, not only could he emerge as the most consistent backup in the frontcourt, but also as one of the most important bench players on the roster. There is a path where Portis could be considered the sixth man for Miami.
Again, much of that depends on the rotations that Erik Spoelstra will utilize this season, but Portis will certainly have the opportunity to cement himself as one of the most important players on the roster.
Considering there were whispers that the Heat were weighing the idea of flipping Portis elsewhere as part of the Giannis trade, this is one of those decisions that could end up looking like a great move.
If Portis does end up playing a big role for the Heat, and perhaps even emerging as something of an x-factor this season, there's no question that their move to keep him as part of the Giannis package will be remembered as one of the most underrated decisions of the offseason.
If the Heat is going to have a successful first year with Giannis, they're going to need some of their "forgotten" supporting pieces to play above expectations this year. Portis happens to fall in that group.
And if this prediction does end up holding true, it could certainly help raise the ceiling for the Heat this upcoming season.
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