House of Cards

The thing about the Bulls’ third-year forward Bobby Portis is that you’d probably peg him as the last guy on the team to clock a teammate at practice, the way he did Nikola Mirotic last month.  Portis is more of a goof, and I mean that in the most fan-appreciative sense of the term.  Think Hunter Pence or Ben Revere or any player who exhibits a mix of enthusiasm, humility and hard work.  They’re not the kind to swear or showboat and not the kind to go ballistic.  I would have expected Mirotic, to be the one throwing punches.

So, Portis finished serving his eight-game suspension and played for the first time Tuesday night against the Raptors.  And guess what?  Portis managed 21 points and 13 rebounds in just 24 minutes, that’s what.  Before the game, Portis admitted to the Trib beat reporter, “I’ve been anxious, real anxious, real giddy all day.  Didn’t sleep last night, didn’t sleep today, couldn’t nap.  I’m just ready to play ball.”  Who talks like that, if not a goof fans would be silly to root against?

Portis has not avoided reporters or tried to shirk responsibility for his action.  But Mirotic is pretty much MIA, avoiding the press and keeping mum.  It’s far from an ideal situation, but it’s the one Bulls’ management let happen.  Right now, odds are Mirotic will be shipped out.  That would resolve a roster and locker-room problem while leaving the one in the front office.