What could Bobby Portis bring to Boston?
By Larry Flynn
Mar 19, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Arkansas Razorbacks forward Bobby Portis (10) moves against Wofford Terriers forward Lee Skinner (34) in the first half of a game in the second round of the 2015 NCAA Tournament at Jacksonville Veteran Memorial Arena. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
There’s a reason Celtics fans love Kevin Garnett. Over six seasons in Boston, “The Big Ticket” brought a banner to the city, restored Celtic pride, and hit countless clutch shots. Remember the shake-n-bake turnaround jumpers? We do, and so do countless defensive big men who dared to cover the future hall-of-famer.
Kevin Garnett brought passion and energy to Boston.
But everyone loved Garnett for another reason: his heart. No one played with more courage than Garnett, diving on the floor for lose balls, swatting layups (and opposing player’s hearts) into the second row, and pounding his chest and pointing to the crowd before the opening tip.
Ever since Garnett left, there’s been something missing in the Garden. It’s that little edge, a “chippiness” that champions need. Mid-season acquisitions showed that talent, with edge can elevate a team’s play significantly. Isaiah Thomas has some toughness and “swagger,” and so does Jae Crowder given his remarks on wanting to beat Lebron James after the season ended.
But the Celtics need more toughness, especially down low. Jared Sullinger has a bit of an attitude (I say as a compliment), but is eons away from playing the type of defense Garnett used to play. Kelley Olynyk? Tyler Zeller? Sorry, but these guys aren’t going to instill that Celtic attitude that has made this franchise, and its city, who it is today.
Ever since Garnett left, there’s been something missing in the Garden.
This upcoming draft, the Celtics have a chance to make some moves. There’s been talks about moving up in the draft, perhaps to either the Hornets or the Knicks picks, likely in an attempt to bring in defensive menace Willie Cauley-Stein. “WCS” makes perfect sense as a fit on this roster, as I detailed here, and could help replace some of the production that Garnett left with his departure in 2013.
But there’s another player who is even more like Garnett in the upcoming draft. I like to think of him as a Kevin Garnett-Draymond Green hybrid, essentially the scariest man to compete against. He’s a 6’11” power forward (that sounds like someone we know) whose motor never stops (…very familiar) and said that said:
“I play very angry because every game, I sit in the locker room and I envision that the other player on the team slapped my mom. That’s why I get mad, and now I’ve gotta get you because you slapped my mom.” (via masslive.com)
Bobby Portis hustles for a lose ball. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
No, I’m not describing Kevin Garnett.
I’m talking about Bobby Portis, the most underrated player in the upcoming 2015 NBA Draft.
Portis doesn’t have the superior length, automatic mid-range game, or explosiveness that Garnett did when he was drafted by the Timberwolves in 1995. He’s a poor man’s version in terms of skill; Portis does have a solid mid-range jumper, and made an impact offensively by his speed in transition. In terms of passion and defensive ability, Portis might be closer to Garnett than we all think.
Portis’ ability to dive into the passing lanes is perhaps the most common skill he shares with the former Celtic. He’s a pest, there’s no way around it, and can stay in front of players of any size. Lateral quickness is such an important skill for versatile big men, and Portis has the foot skills to stay in front of any offensive player. Go to the 3:36 mark of the following video to see the incredible length and energy of Portis in the passing lanes:
Perhaps the most encouraging offensive skill Portis has is his “feel for the game,” a phrase which has been used to describe Garnett’s passing ability for years. It’s this indescribable nature of certain basketball players who can create plays out of nothing. Guards are usually expected to be the playmakers, but not in the case of Kevin Garnett, whose behind-the-back or over-the-shoulder passes in the post became a regular highlight reel in both Minnesota and Boston. Portis is nowhere near Garnett in terms of passing, but has exhibited the same type of potential, as you can see in the above video at the 8:48 mark.
Bobby Portis is no Kevin Garnett, but he can bring the same intangibles “The Big Ticket” once brought to Boston.
So, you say, the Celtics could snag the next Kevin Garnett at the 16 pick? No, I’m not quite that crazy. Portis will probably never have his jersey retired in two cities and see his name entered into the hall-of-fame. He will probably never be named league MVP, and taking home defensive player of the year honors might be his ceiling. But there’s a common denominator that both Garnett and Portis could share: holding the Larry O’Brien trophy.
Portis isn’t the guy you build around. But he’s cut from the same cloth as Draymond Green, whom we all know was vital during the NBA Finals. Portis is a key cog, a versatile player who knows his role and does everything to help his team win. He lights a fire in his teammates and in himself. If Portis is available at 16, then Danny Ainge has to pounce on the opportunity.
As the Celtics look to build a championship roster, they need toughness. It’s what brought the 17th banner to the rafters of the Garden, and it’s what will bring the 18th in that empty spot in the Celtics’ practice facility.
Bobby Portis is no Kevin Garnett, but he can bring the same intangibles “The Big Ticket” once brought to Boston.
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