Milwaukee Bucks

Free-agent big man Bobby Portis confirmed he will return to the Milwaukee Bucks in a post on his Twitter account after the start of free agency on Monday:  

RUN THAT SHIT BACK! Proud to call Milwaukee my home. Wouldn’t want to be no where else! #UNDERDOG

To the fans, thank you for your continued support. Now let’s get it! pic.twitter.com/Xwp8Yfwry1

— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) August 2, 2021

Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium reported Portis signed a two-year, $9 million contract with a player option for the second season, so Portis could be back on the open market this time next summer.

He became a free agent after declining his $3.8 million player option to play for the Bucks in 2021-22.

The 26-year-old Portis spent the 2020-21 season with the Bucks and became a fan favorite en route to Milwaukee winning its first NBA championship in 50 years.

Portis primarily came off the bench last season, starting just seven of the 66 regular-season games he appeared in. He was a key interior presence alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, averaging 11.4 points, 7.1 rebounds, 1.1 assists and 1.1 three-pointers made per game, and shooting a career-best 52.3 percent from the field and 47.1 percent from beyond the arc.

He also played in 20 postseason games, averaging 8.8 points and 5.0 rebounds, while shooting 46.4 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from deep.

Portis broke into the NBA in 2015 as the No. 22 overall pick in the draft out of Arkansas. He spent parts of four seasons with the Chicago Bulls before getting traded to the Washington Wizards.

After a partial season in Washington, Portis played for the New York Knicks in 2019-20, taking on a similar role to what he did in Milwaukee.

In six NBA seasons, Portis owns averages of 10.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.2 assists and 0.9 three-pointers made per game.

Given how efficient Portis was offensively last season compared to previous years, it came as little surprise when he declined his player option, as he was in for a significant raise.

Portis may have been able to make even more elsewhere, but he clearly valued playing for a contender like Milwaukee and decided to return to the Bucks on a new deal.

With Portis coming back into the fold, the Bucks will return largely the same roster that won a championship this past season.

Injuries were a prevalent storyline for Giannis Antetokounmpo in the 2020-21 playoffs. But they won't be this offseason. 

Milwaukee Bucks general manager Jon Horst told reporters the two-time MVP won't need offseason surgery on the left knee he injured during the playoffs.  

"He's fine," Horst said. "I can't explain it, but he's fine."

The 26-year-old Antetokounmpo suffered a hyperextended left knee in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals and missed the team's wins in Games 5-6. He was a major question mark heading into the NBA Finals, though he was able to play in Game 1 and posted 20 points, 17 rebounds, four assists, two steals and a block in the 118-105 loss. 

"I thought I would be out for a year," he told reporters. 

"It was tough," Antetokounmpo added on making his way back on the court for Game 1 after the injury. "Obviously I had to do my best to get back. Listen to my medical staff. I did the right treatment. Took care of my body and supported my teammates, and now I'm back."

A healthy Greek Freak proved crucial for the Bucks as they went on to defeat the Phoenix Suns in the NBA Finals, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds and five assists per game in this postseason, numbers that the Bucks simply can't replace. His performance in the clinching Game 6—50 points, 14 rebounds, five blocks, two assists and 17-of-19 shooting from the free-throw line—is already the stuff of legends.

And the good news only continues in Milwaukee, as Antetokounmpo will avoid any surgery and recovery time that might have otherwise threatened to linger into the fall.   

Bryn Forbes will enter free agency after declining his $2.45 million option with the Milwaukee Bucks for the 2021-22 NBA season, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

After four seasons with the San Antonio Spurs, the 28-year-old signed with the Bucks last offseason. He averaged 10.0 points and 1.6 rebounds in 70 appearances, and his best performance came in a 143-136 loss to the Houston Rockets on April 29 when he scored 30 points off the bench.

30🍔 for Bryn Forbes!#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/iGnFw9mM38

— FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (@FanDuelSN_WI) April 30, 2021

Head coach Mike Budenholzer used Forbes to great effect as a three-point specialist. According to Basketball Reference, 64.5 percent of his field-goal attempts were from long range, and he hit them at a career-high 45.2 percent clip.

Forbes was fourth in the NBA in three-point shooting (45 percent) – and third best among players with 200-plus attempts. Forbes averaged 12.2 points on 48 percent three-point shooting in February when starting guard Jrue Holiday was sidelined. https://t.co/6K0uVqOaO3

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 27, 2021

During Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Miami Heat, Forbes briefly enjoyed the spotlight. He hit six threes in Game 2 and drained seven in the series-clinching Game 4 victory.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5ICwAFK2CM

He came back to earth after that, averaging 6.6 points per game during the postseason, but he shot 37.1 percent from three-point territory as the Bucks won the NBA championship.

Forbes' value beyond his shooting was limited.

Per Stathead, he had the second-lowest assist rate (4.5 percent) among guards who logged at least 1,000 minutes. He also ranked 110th out of 116 shooting guards in ESPN's defensive real plus-minus (minus-2.28). According to NBA.com, opponents shot 43.2 percent on three-pointers when matched up against him.

The aforementioned game against the Rockets was a microcosm of Forbes' year. He caught fire from the perimeter, going 6-of-10, but he had just one steal to go along with his scoring output, failing to register an assist or rebound.

Three-point shooting has never been more valuable, so a veteran who makes them at a rate in the mid-40s is bound to get interest on the open market. The Michigan State alum could plausibly get more money and long-term security than his last contract provided him.

However, mid-level free agents often get squeezed during difficult financial periods, like the current one caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Perhaps Forbes can take on a larger role than the one he occupied in Milwaukee. If nothing else, he should be a target for a playoff contender that needs floor-spacing.

After winning their first NBA title in 50 years, the Milwaukee Bucks got a chance to celebrate in front of thousands of fans at the victory parade Thursday.

The party started Tuesday as Giannis Antetokoumpo led the Bucks to a 105-98 win over the Phoenix Suns in the clinching Game 6. Antetokoumpo scored 50 points on his way to a Finals MVP award.

Fans inside Fiserv Forum enjoyed themselves nearly as much as those outside of the arena. The celebration has continued over the next few days, with even people at Chick-fil-A getting a chance to cheer on their favorite star.

On Thursday, the full team took to the streets of downtown Milwaukee.

Giannis was once again the star of the show, with some hilarious moments from the bus:

Giannis shot a free throw from the parade bus. 😂😂 https://t.co/ygmsjXq7HJ

— House of Highlights (@HoHighlights) July 22, 2021

Someone tell my boss if I smell like booze, ⁦@Giannis_An34⁩ did it. #bucks #bucksparade #bucksin6 pic.twitter.com/pKtBgvpCci

— Kristen Barbaresi (@KristenBarbar) July 22, 2021

Giannis getting some reps and shaking up a bottle of champagne 🍾 😄 pic.twitter.com/PhWeoWgnhy

— ESPN (@espn) July 22, 2021

.@Giannis_An34 is never letting go of this trophy. 🤣🏆@BMOHarrisBank | #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/C9PA7Oqq3M

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 22, 2021

“Being able to accomplish something great like this for this city, it feels good.”

Giannis is excited to see Bucks fans celebrate

(via @NBATV)https://t.co/5YsJnW8dzk

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2021

On Milwaukee Bucks championship parade day, NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo hoists the trophy and shoots a ball into the crowd. pic.twitter.com/heJRzEYmWD

— The Recount (@therecount) July 22, 2021

Giannis lifts the 🏆 to the crowd! 🙌

Follow the 2021 Milwaukee Bucks Championship Parade on NBA TV: https://t.co/YuGpAi3U4m pic.twitter.com/rp8U3LnBL0

— NBA (@NBA) July 22, 2021

It was, of course, not a one-man show on the court or in the parade.

Bobby Portis remained a fan favorite during the parade:

"Underdog to topdog"

Bobby Portis with the championship belt 🔥

(via @Bucks)pic.twitter.com/dh9drOrKpe

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2021

🗣 BOBBY! BOBBY! BOBBY! @BMOHarrisBank | #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/rP76J66SUS

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 22, 2021

Other players were having the time of their lives celebrating their first championship, including P.J. Tucker and Donte DiVincenzo:

P.J. Tucker is HYPED 😆

(via @brewcitypaul)pic.twitter.com/HJpRUGApyT

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2021

Thank you for this moment PJ Tucker! #Bucks pic.twitter.com/2mj6bnrbdj

— Aaron Maybin (@Aaron_Maybin) July 22, 2021

Donte DiVincenzo caught a beer from some Bucks fans 🦌

(via @Bucks)pic.twitter.com/qC9ZJHlgKS

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2021

P.J. going WILD with the champagne 💀 https://t.co/3o6ibECpJG

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2021

Thanasis is in health and safety protocols, so he did his intro from the car 🙏 https://t.co/KSxtwZv2oj

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2021

Even former Bucks guard Brandon Jennings got his time to shine Thursday:

The legend himself. pic.twitter.com/B3WwGmvISK

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 22, 2021

Brandon Jennings turning up at the Bucks parade 😂

(via @BryanJDee)pic.twitter.com/hMO6Hevv1R

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 22, 2021

Jennings has been out of the league since 2018 but is still at home with his first NBA team. 

The only fans who might have been somewhat disappointed were the ones near the arena, watching the bus quickly speed away:

The 2021 Milwaukee Bucks Championship Parade is underway! 🚌🎉

Follow along on NBA TV: https://t.co/YuGpAi3U4m pic.twitter.com/hC8Bm5R7tX

— NBA (@NBA) July 22, 2021

Fans throughout the parade route enjoyed the show:

What a scene @Bucks #Bucks pic.twitter.com/xmpzqPyAdZ

— Lance Allan (@lanceallan) July 22, 2021

Your 2021 World Champion Milwaukee Bucks have arrived! @WKOW pic.twitter.com/Lb2PUo9jMi

— Pablo Iglesias (@PabTalksSports) July 22, 2021

The Bucks will have some more time this summer to celebrate, but they will soon get back to work hoping to repeat in 2021-22.

Shortly after leading the Milwaukee Bucks to the NBA title, Giannis Antetokounmpo already has his mind on the 2022 championship.

The Finals MVP discussed his mindset in an interview with ESPN's Malika Andrews on Wednesday:

“We might never win another one. It's fine. We did it. We did what we're supposed to do. And I’d rather do it this way — win one this way than go somewhere else in a super team and win two or three.” @SportsCenter conversation with Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo: pic.twitter.com/6z5U7IyydH

— Malika Andrews (@malika_andrews) July 21, 2021

"We just did it—we did it a couple of hours ago—and I'm already thinking about how can I do it again," Antetokounmpo said. "How can I make this team better? What can I improve to help this team be better? But that's who I am."

It could be difficult for Giannis to top his Game 6 performance, as he totaled 50 points, 14 rebounds and five blocks in the clinching victory over the Phoenix Suns.

The 26-year-old added to an impressive resume that already included two MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year award, an All-Star Game MVP honor and five All-Star selections in just eight years.

Antetokounmpo, of course, will not rest on his laurels and is still looking to add accolades. He will try to lead Milwaukee to back-to-back titles, following in the path of the Golden State Warriors, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers (twice) as teams that have accomplished that feat since 2000.

The Bucks should be a formidable opponent again in 2021-22 with most of their key players returning, including Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Brook Lopez. Bobby Portis has a player option, while P.J. Tucker is set to become a free agent, but the team could re-sign them after they played important roles in the playoffs.

The biggest challenge could be the competition, especially if opponents stay healthy next season.

The Brooklyn Nets dealt with injuries during their second-round matchup against the Bucks, but Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving and James Harden will be difficult to beat. The Suns, Philadelphia 76ers, Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers and Utah Jazz could also be top contenders again next year.

Brooklyn Nets superstar Kevin Durant said Wednesday that Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks are "forming somewhat of a dynasty" after winning the 2021 NBA championship Tuesday night.

Durant discussed the Bucks' title-clinching victory over the Phoenix Suns after a Team USA practice in Tokyo ahead of the Summer Olympics, per Joe Vardon of The Athletic:

To see a couple of friends become champions today was cool. That experience doesn't happen for just anybody, so you respect that journey. And then you see a young team like Phoenix who everybody has been counting them out for the last five years, and now they make themselves into a contender, and I feel like will be a contender going forward in the West, that was good to see. And then Milwaukee forming somewhat of a dynasty with that team. I know it's the first chip and a lot of people call you a dynasty after a few, but the continuity of that team is something that's impressive and how they continue to build and add and now they're champions, and you can appreciate that.

Three players who just wrapped up playing on the NBA's biggest stage, the Bucks' Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton as well as the Suns' Devin Booker, won't have much time to rest as they'll hop on a plane bound for Japan to play for Team USA alongside Durant.

Vardon noted those three players won't arrive in Tokyo until Saturday, one day before the U.S. opens play against France, which makes their immediate level of participation unclear.

Durant explained the Americans will nevertheless benefit from an infusion of three battle-tested players to the roster after a mediocre run in their exhibition games, which included losses to Nigeria and Australia:

It was good to get a punch in the mouth early on to remind us that it’s not going to be a cakewalk. So many people are used to Team USA coming in and blowing everybody out, so it was good for us to see that. Hopefully, those are the last losses. Adding three guys, two newly crowned champions and another guy who’s been on that stage and knows all about winning big games and playing in big games, add that IQ, three of those guys with high IQ to the team is gonna help.

The Nets forward added Team USA and the Bucks now have a lot in common as the teams being hunted by a group of hungry contenders, per Vardon.

"Every team wants to beat us, every team wants to see us lose," Durant said.

Greece failed to qualify for the Tokyo Games in men's basketball, so Antetokounmpo won't have an opportunity to go for the NBA championship-Olympic gold medal double this summer.

That's probably a blessing in disguise for the Bucks because if they're going to build the dynasty Durant was referring to, they'll need a healthy and rested Giannis for next season. The Los Angeles Lakers showed how quickly those dynastic plans can be derailed by injuries as LeBron James and Anthony Davis both missed significant portions of their title defense.

Meanwhile, Team USA will face France, Iran and the Czech Republic in the group stage next week. The knockout rounds get underway Aug. 3 with the gold medals being handled out Aug. 7.

Giannis Antetokounmpo celebrated the Milwaukee Bucks' NBA championship with a trip to Chick-fil-A on Wednesday.

After scoring 50 points in Milwaukee's 105-98 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday to secure the NBA Finals MVP award and the Bucks' first championship in 50 years, Giannis treated himself.

On Instagram Live, he discussed his intention to order 50 chicken nuggets from Chick-fil-A:

Giannis ordered a 50 PC nugget after scoring 50 in the Finals 💀 https://t.co/HfASFT1hpN

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 21, 2021

It is unclear if he planned to order the traditional nuggets or grilled nuggets, but he did discuss dipping sauce options, including Chick-fil-A sauce and barbecue.

Antetokounmpo likely worked up an appetite in putting the Bucks on his back Tuesday in one of the greatest championship-clinching performances in NBA history.

The NBA MVP in both 2019 and 2020 not only netted 50 points in Game 6 but also piled up 14 rebounds and five blocks.

Antetokounmpo had three games with 40 or more points in the series and finished with averages of 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.8 blocks and 1.2 steals.

Making his showing even more impressive was the fact that he missed the final two games of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Atlanta Hawks with a hyperextended knee. He also helped Milwaukee overcome a 2-0 series deficit in the NBA Finals.

WWE legend and executive Triple H announced Wednesday that he is sending a customized WWE Championship belt to the Milwaukee Bucks to celebrate their NBA championship.

.@fiservforum and the @DeerDistrict were rocking last night! Amazing performances by @Giannis_An34, @Khris22m, @Jrue_Holiday11 and the entire @Bucks team throughout the #NBAFinals!

I think you know what to do with this….#FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/KMOn3or7vj

— Triple H (@TripleH) July 21, 2021

Triple H specifically congratulated NBA Finals MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, as well as upcoming United States Olympians Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday on the triumph.

The Bucks outlasted the Phoenix Suns 105-98 in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday to win their first championship in 50 years.

Milwaukee overcame a 2-0 series deficit in the Finals, and Giannis managed to play in all six Finals games despite missing the final two games of the Eastern Conference Finals with a hyperextended knee.

Giannis, who was already a two-time NBA MVP, dominated in Game 6 to the tune of 50 points and 14 rebounds. That upped his Finals averages to 35.2 points and 13.2 rebounds per game.

Making the victory even more special was the fact that it occurred at a sold-out Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, with tens of thousands of Bucks fans also watching on screens outside the arena.

This marks the second time in the past two weeks that WWE has honored a championship-winning team, as Triple H sent a custom title to the Stanley Cup-winning Tampa Bay Lightning earlier this month.

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The Milwaukee Bucks announced early Wednesday morning that they will celebrate their 2020-21 NBA championship with a parade through downtown Milwaukee on Thursday.

Bucks president Peter Feigin emphatically declared the parade will occur Thursday following Milwaukee's 105-98 win over the Phoenix Suns in Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Tuesday:

Milwaukee: Your parade is THIS THURSDAY! We just heard it from Peter Feigin himself. https://t.co/SmiTKpYEBF pic.twitter.com/mWGae84fy0

— TMJ4 News (@tmj4) July 21, 2021

ESPN's Eric Woodyard reported the parade is scheduled to start at 11 a.m.

JUST IN: The Bucks have announced the parade route for tomorrow's Championship parade! The parade will begin at 11 a.m. DETAILS: https://t.co/4bYL01Ce9O pic.twitter.com/HtOzy2lfi9

— TMJ4 News (@tmj4) July 21, 2021

With that victory, the Bucks won their first championship in 50 years, and Giannis Antetokounmpo added an NBA Finals MVP award to his two NBA MVP trophies thanks in large part to a 50-point performance in Game 6.

According to Tom Daykin of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, the expectation is that the parade will go down Wisconsin Avenue, although no official announcement has been made.

The Bucks have yet to announce a start time for the parade, although holding it Thursday makes sense, as it will allow United States Olympians Khris Middleton and Jrue Holiday to take part before catching a flight to Tokyo.

Thursday's parade will be made even more special by the fact that the Bucks haven't won a championship since 1971 and didn't have a parade following that triumph 50 years ago, per Daykin.

Giannis, Middleton, Holiday, head coach Mike Budenholzer and fan favorite Bobby Portis figure to be central figures in the celebration when Bucks fans enjoy their first championship parade.

Milwaukee Police said three people suffered non-life-threatening injuries in two simultaneous shootings as Milwaukee Bucks fans celebrated their team clinching the 2021 NBA championship Tuesday night.

The Associated Press reported Wednesday that the shootings, which could be heard on local television coverage of the large crowds outside Fiserv Forum, led to the arrest of two people, with others still being sought by police.

A 22-year-old man was injured in one of the shootings, while a 32-year-old man and 19-year-old woman were injured in the other.

Milwaukee Police captain Jesus Ortiz told the AP one of the department's officers was hurt after being "trampled" by people who tried to enter the Bucks' Deer District watch party after it was closed off because of capacity restrictions. The officer reported general pain but no major injuries.

The area where the shootings took place is "heavily populated with bars and restaurants," according to the AP.

Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers authorized the city's request for 150 National Guard members to help with crowd control throughout Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

The Bucks scored a 105-98 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night to win the series 4-2 and secure the franchise's first championship since 1971.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was named the series MVP, scored 50 points in the clinching game.

"For the city, I'm sure it means everything," Bucks forward Khris Middleton told reporters. "They've seen the work that we put in over the years for them to get to this point."

Milwaukee is scheduled to host a championship parade for the Bucks on Thursday.