The Milwaukee Bucks are facing a difficult time as Bobby Portis, one of their most valued contributors, has been handed a 25-game suspension by the NBA after testing positive for a banned substance. This news has sent shockwaves through the team, and head coach Doc Rivers is not shy about expressing his thoughts on the matter.
Portis, who has been averaging 13.7 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 2.2 assists in 25.2 minutes per game this season, has been an integral part of the Bucks’ rotation. Despite the suspension, Rivers made it clear that Portis’ leadership will be felt just as much as his on-court contributions.
“It’s funny, what the people don’t see is there’s certain guys that you need,” Rivers explained, per Eric Nehm. “Bobby’s the one guy, he’s the voice. He’s the guy who tells everyone, ‘Stop ****ing around in practice.’ Today, it was me saying that, and it’s just not the same. Bobby’s voice is bigger and better. You can’t replace a human being, especially one as special as Bobby.”
Rivers went on to acknowledge that while the Bucks will miss Portis’ performances on the floor, his spirit and leadership in the locker room are irreplaceable. The 30-year-old forward’s absence will undoubtedly impact the team’s energy and morale.
Portis’ suspension stems from a failed drug test, where he inadvertently took a banned substance. According to his agent, Mark Bartelstein, Portis mistook Tramadol for Toradol, a pain medication he had previously used. The error occurred when an assistant provided Portis with the incorrect medication, leading to the positive test.
Rivers expressed sympathy for Portis during the challenging time. “I just feel bad for Bobby, on so many levels,” Rivers said. “He’s gone through a lot this year with his grandma passing and his house being broken into, and now this. This is gonna be one hell of a story for him.”
Portis, who has played in 46 games this season, will remain a part of the Bucks’ activities in limited capacity. He can still practice with the team, but he must leave the arena two hours before game time. His ability to travel with the team is still under discussion, and Rivers emphasized that while the team will miss Portis on the court, they must ensure he feels supported.
“We get to still play. Bobby doesn’t get to play,” Rivers added. “Our job is to make sure Bobby is still with us—not just as a team, but also in the community. He’s so big here, and people need to make sure he knows they’re with him.”
The Bucks initially considered appealing the suspension but ultimately decided the risks were too great, as it could have extended the ban into the postseason. Rivers conveyed the difficult nature of this decision, acknowledging how hard it would be to move forward without Portis’ energy and leadership.
As the Bucks sit at 30-24 and fifth in the Eastern Conference, the road ahead looks challenging without Portis. The team’s aspirations for a playoff spot are still intact, but Portis’ absence will undoubtedly be felt in the coming weeks.
