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Bobby Portis praises the Milwaukee Bucks’ young players for staying ready when their numbers are called

Bobby has nothing but respect for Milwaukee’s young bucks.

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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One criticism the Milwaukee Bucks often get is they rely too much on the play of their veteran superstars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Khris Middleton, Brook Lopez, and Bobby Portis. Truth be told, Milwaukee is a top-heavy squad that excels when its stars play up to their levels. But Portis, for one, is quick to point out the importance of the Bucks' young players in giving Milwaukee a deep rotation.

This was evident during Friday night's Bucks' 146-114 rout of the Detroit Pistons. With starters Malik Beasley and Khris Middleton sidelined due to different maladies, Bucks coach Adrian Griffin went with young wings MarJon Beauchamp and Andre Jackson Jr., and the move paid off.

Getting better

Beauchamp, a second-year two-guard, set the tone early, scoring the game's first seven points and finishing with 11 points, six boards, and two steals. The rookie Jackson Jr., on the other hand, had ten points and eight rebounds. The two energized the Bucks early on with their hustle and fiery play, helping the team race to a massive 43-20 lead.

Portis said the young players' performances were by-products of the work they put in behind the scenes. Being a young player on a title-contending squad means putting in extra work and being ready when the opportunity arises.

"Big time, man. Those guys put the work in," Bobby Portis said.

"You see Dre, you see Mars, all the young guys in the gym on a daily basis, grinding, working on their games, getting better."

Staying ready

Not getting enough playing time can weigh heavily on a young player's confidence and psyche. But so far, Beauchamp and Jackson have carried the burden well, always working and staying ready for when the Bucks need them.

"That's the only job you have in the league is to get better on a day-to-day basis and be ready whenever your number is called. And I think they've been doing a tremendous job of that throughout the season, even when sometimes they don't play. They don't hang their head, they just always stay ready," Portis shared.

Rookie Andre Jackson Jr. vows to stay ready, thankful for having veteran teammates as mentors

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO