3 major things we learned from the 2021 NBA Finals

Phoenix Suns, Milwaukee Bucks, 2021 NBA Finals
NBA Analysis Network
Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks, NBA Free Agency, NBA Rumors
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Bobby Portis earned himself a lot of money from his performances in the NBA Finals

Giannis Antetokounmpo was exceptional for the Milwaukee Bucks once again and both Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday are his All-Star-caliber teammates, but Bobby Portis played a huge role in the Bucks being able to win the 2021 NBA Finals. 

After playing sporadically in the postseason, including not playing at all in some games, Portis averaged 13.5 minutes per game in the NBA Finals and averaged 7.7 points, 4.0 rebounds and shot 42.5% from the floor, 43.8% from three-point range. 

Portis saved his best performance of the playoffs for the last game of the season, as in the Bucks’ Game 6 victory, Portis was huge off-the-bench with 16 points on 6-10 shooting from the floor. His energy all season long elevated this Bucks team to new heights and they might as well give Portis the keys to Milwaukee because every single person in that city loves this guy! 

Everytime Bobby Portis entered the game for the Bucks in these playoffs, the roars of Fiserv Forum could be heard for miles as the fans would erupt with chants of “Bobby! Bobby! Bobby!” He is absolutely beloved by this fan base, especially now since he played such an integral role in helping Milwaukee win a championship, but his price just went up drastically. 

The 26-year-old big man earned $3.6M with the Bucks this year and has a $3.8M player option for next season that he could opt into, but given how valuable he was to this team, Portis could very well look to make the most of his opportunity. Bobby Portis is a very valuable asset to the Bucks bench and he should absolutely look to capitalize on said worth. 

READ MORE: 3 key matchups to watch in the Bucks-Suns 2021 NBA Finals

The Bucks are already $34.5M over the salary cap heading into next season and close to $10M over the hard cap, so if they are going to want to keep Portis, they are likely going to have to be willing to pay even more in luxury taxes. Paying these taxes resulted in the Bucks winning championship this year, so they might look to do so again in order to keep their “spark plug” on the bench. 

Whatever Bobby Portis decides to do, he is now an NBA champion who played a big role in his team’s success, which is why his value has gone up a lot. Whether it is in Milwaukee or somewhere else next season, Portis has earned himself a bigger contract and has solidified his role as a key talent for any team in this league.

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