NBA champion Bobby Portis brought back memories of Michael Jordan’s famous tongue-out celebration during a recent Team USA exhibition game. This jovial and animated gesture not only charmed the spectators but also served as a representation of the players’ unbridled enthusiasm and passion on the court.Little did the 2021 NBA champion know that this exciting event would pave the way for an even greater honor—the opportunity to represent the United States on the international stage—after a respectable individual season with the Milwaukee Bucks. But his most recent admissions provide insight into how he was chosen to represent Team USA.
Portis’ incredible journey from courtside to the USA jersey
A video of Bobby Portis appeared on the Milwaukee Bucks website just a few days after the exhibition game. In the video, Portis reflected on his extraordinary journey and clarified the series of circumstances that resulted in his selection to the Team USA squad.
During the offseason, Portis worked hard to improve his skills and elevate his game through intense training. His unwavering commitment to constantly developing oneself on the court was a reflection of his love for the sport. The reward for all of this effort and commitment was the chance to play basketball internationally for the United States, which changed my life.
When Portis visited Los Angeles in February, that’s when things started to change. Grant Hill, a member of the basketball Hall of Fame and a prominent person in the game, approached Portis there and made the offer that every player hopes to receive. “Do you wanna play for USA this summer?” asked Hill, extending an invitation that would forever change Portis’ basketball career. Portis enthusiastically accepted the opportunity without hesitating, saying, “Hell yeah, sign me up.”
Portis’ attention began to turn to getting ready for his position on the USA basketball team at that point. He recognized the importance of this chance to widen his horizons and improve his game in addition to providing a platform for him to demonstrate his abilities on a global scale.
Portis pays tribute to Michael Jordan by imitating legends
Bobby Portis discovered that he was emulating a basketball legend during the Team USA exhibition game versus Puerto Rico. Portis perfectly caught the essence of Michael Jordan‘s mesmerizing play style that enthralled fans all across the world by mimicking his renowned tongue-out face. Portis not only paid homage to Jordan’s greatness but also displayed his own love for the game by jokingly sticking out his tongue.
This brief but riveting moment, which demonstrated the comradery, sportsmanship, and shared love for basketball that transcend ages, became the game’s high point. Fans were moved by Portis’ gesture, which served to remind them of the fun that basketball can be and the bonds that it can create between players and spectators.