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Bobby Portis' "blue-collar mentality" is crucial if Team USA is to succeed in the 2023 FIBA World Cup

Bobby Portis' “blue-collar” approach will be key for Team USA.

Jonas Panerio

© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
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Bobby Portis Jr., the formidable big man of the Milwaukee Bucks, has fought tooth and nail to carve his path in the NBA. From being the 22nd pick in the 2015 NBA Draft, this talented player hailing from Little Rock, Arkansas, has come a long way. Emerging as an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks, Portis now dons the prestigious Team USA jersey, gearing up to recapture its dominance on the global basketball stage at the 2023 FIBA World Cup in Manila, Philippines.

Portis knows the responsibility of playing for flag and country rings differently and is aware of the importance of his role in Team USA. With a "blue-collar mentality" approach to defense and overall play, Portis could be an effective catalyst for the US squad.

“When I first seen USA across my chest, obviously it was different, man,” Portis said. “Obviously, all us play for our respective teams in the league, representing Milwaukee, representing my family and friends and myself – but this is a little different having USA across our chest.”

Versatile big man option

Even though the 6-foot-10 forward has not logged in plenty of minutes in the five tune-up games Team USA has had, head coach Steve Kerr holds Portis in high regard, both for what he can do on the floor and his demeanor off of it.

“We’re gonna need everybody, and what Bobby provides us is a guy with size and physicality and a pick-and-pop game, someone who can step out and make threes from that big position, which changes the floor spacing,” Kerr said. “He’s a great option for us. I had a really good conversation with Bobby after the selection was made, and like all the guys, he’s just excited. He’s excited to be part of it.”

Blue-collar element

Team USA’s managing director Grant Hill knows the challenge of finding the best combinations, especially with the roster the team has. Having someone with championship experience helps a great deal, said Hill.

“Having someone with some experience, someone who can bring a blue-collar element, someone who’s won – although on an NBA stage. And his role, his role for us, the vision would be very similar to his role with his team in the NBA. His professionalism, his sort of blue-collar mentality, his toughness, and also his experience. There’s tremendous value,” Hill explained.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO