Everyone is obsessing over what Giannis Antetokounmpo can do for the Miami Heat. And sure, that’s fair. The guy is a two-time MVP and one of the most dominant forces the league has ever seen. But Udonis Haslem wants you to pump the brakes and look at the other guy who came with him.
Bobby Portis. That’s who the Heat legend thinks is getting overlooked.
Haslem went on the Prime broadcast recently and made it clear that Portis isn’t just some throw-in. “There was a great move this summer, but that’s just the beginning,” Haslem said. “People really underestimate the impact of having a guy like Bobby Portis. And then opportunity for these young guys.”
The Heat pulled off a massive trade this summer, sending out Nate Ament, Tyler Herro, Kasparas Jakucionis, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware, a 2030 first-round pick, a 2031 first-round pick, a 2033 first-round pick, and a 2033 second-round pick. In return, they got Antetokounmpo and Portis. That’s a lot of draft capital and young talent, but Miami bet big on the present.
Why Portis matters more than people think
Portis just finished his 11th NBA season, and he’s still producing at a high level. Over 67 games with the Bucks, he averaged 13.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. He shot 48.8% from the field and a blistering 45.6% from three-point range. For a guy who’s been a reliable second-unit scorer and a physical presence inside, that kind of shooting is a huge plus for a Heat team that struggled to space the floor last season.
Haslem knows what it takes to win in Miami. He saw the Heat go through dry spells and roster overhauls. He also saw Portis help Giannis in multiple playoff runs with Milwaukee. That experience isn’t something you can just plug in overnight, but Portis brings it on Day 1.
Miami finished last season with a 43-39 record, good for 10th in the East. They missed the playoffs entirely after losing to the Charlotte Hornets in the play-in tournament. That was the first time since 2017 the Heat didn’t make the postseason. So yeah, they needed a shake-up.
What’s next for Miami’s roster
The Heat already added Tim Hardaway Jr., Ryan Conwell, and Tre Donaldson this offseason. But the roster still has holes. They have one more big move left in them, according to reports. Whether that’s another trade or a free-agent signing, the front office isn’t done yet.
Portis is under contract for two more years, and at 31 years old, he’s still in his prime. He’s not the kind of guy who fills a stat sheet every night, but he’s the kind of player who makes winning plays in March and April. And after a season where Miami’s bench was inconsistent at best, having a guy like Portis who can step in and give you 14 points and 6 boards without any drama is a luxury.
Haslem might be biased. He’s a Heat lifer. But he’s also seen enough basketball to know that championship teams need guys who don’t care about the spotlight. Portis has never been the main attraction, but he’s been a key piece on a title team. That’s worth something.
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