Bulls' rookie Portis on lack of playing time: 'It's been tough'
The Bulls selected Bobby Portis with the 22nd overall pick in this summer's draft, but with the team returning everyone from last season, playing time was going to be tough to earn with so many regular rotation players already on the roster.
Portis saw a little bit of action near the end of Chicago's win over the Sixers on Monday, and scored seven points in the final 4:25 in his first United Center appearance. He admitted afterward, however, that it's been a struggle for him to sit games out.
Coming to a veteran-filled team like Chicago, this had to be the expectation. But that hasn't made the adjustment period seem any easier.
“It’s been tough,” said Portis, who connected on three jump shots. “Something new for me for sure. Last time I didn’t play was 10th grade. I’m just waiting my time. Even though my time hasn’t come, I’ve been supportive of my teammates. Just trying to be the best teammate possible. Every player does something different with me, some advice: Stay ready, it’s a long season, 82 games, and I need to stay ready for my turn.”
“It was crazy,” Portis said of the ovation from home fans. “It’s something I had not gotten before. I really cherish that moment. It’s something every kid dreams of, getting into an NBA game and having everyone cheering for you. I’m blessed to be in this position and being on the Bulls.”
Added Hoiberg: “I thought Bobby Portis played great. He is a kid who is very confident. You can see it in his eyes when he went in there and our guys wanted to get him the ball. They know how hard he works.
