Myles Turner’s Fit in Milwaukee Is Being Tested - and Bobby Portis Is Making His Case
When the Milwaukee Bucks landed Myles Turner in free agency, it looked like a calculated swing with the potential to pay off big. Turner brought a rare blend of rim protection and floor spacing, and the thought of pairing him with Giannis Antetokounmpo in the frontcourt had fans and analysts alike intrigued. But now, just a few months into the experiment, the fit is starting to show some cracks - and Bobby Portis is quietly making a strong case for more minutes.
A Dip in Production, A Shift in Rotation
Over the last five games, Turner’s role has been shrinking. His minutes have dipped below the 30-minute mark - averaging just 24 per night - and the production has followed suit: 10.6 points and 2.4 rebounds per game during that stretch. That’s a steep drop for a player expected to be a key piece on both ends of the floor.
Meanwhile, Bobby Portis has been making the most of his time on the court. In that same five-game window, he’s putting up 15.8 points and 6.6 rebounds - and doing it in just 23 minutes per game. The numbers tell a clear story: Portis is bringing more energy, more offense, and more impact in less time.
This isn’t just about scoring, either. Turner’s defensive reputation was one of the main reasons Milwaukee brought him in.
But lately, even that side of his game hasn’t been enough to keep him on the floor. His plus-minus over the last five games sits at -9.6 - a tough stat that reflects the team being 48 points worse with him on the court during that stretch.
Portis Brings the Fire - and the Results
One of the defining traits of Bobby Portis' game is his relentless energy. He’s never been shy about taking big shots or mixing it up on the glass. That aggression was on full display in Milwaukee’s recent win over the Boston Celtics, where Portis dropped 27 points and grabbed 10 rebounds - a performance that stood out in what’s been a rocky stretch for the Bucks.
Portis has always been a bit of a wild card - capable of swinging games with his scoring and hustle, but also known for some inconsistency. Right now, though, his assertiveness is exactly what the Bucks need, especially with Giannis sidelined.
That’s where Turner’s current struggles become even more glaring. Without Giannis on the floor to draw attention and create space, Turner has looked tentative.
He’s not crashing the boards with the same intensity, and he’s not asserting himself offensively the way Milwaukee needs him to. That’s opened the door for Portis, and head coach Doc Rivers has taken notice.
A Crucial Stretch for Turner - and the Bucks
With Giannis still expected to miss more time due to injury, the Bucks’ frontcourt rotation is under the microscope. Turner’s defensive versatility still gives him value - especially in a system that leans heavily on switching and rim protection - but if he can’t start contributing more consistently on the offensive end, it’s hard to justify keeping him in a featured role.
That doesn’t mean the Turner experiment is a failure. Far from it.
He’s only been in Milwaukee for a few months, and chemistry - especially in the frontcourt - takes time. But the early returns aren’t what the Bucks hoped for, and with Portis playing with confidence and impact, the pressure is on.
Doc Rivers now faces a balancing act. Turner’s ceiling still makes him a valuable piece, especially once Giannis returns. But in the short term, Milwaukee needs production - and Portis is delivering it.
Looking Ahead
This is a pivotal stretch for both Turner and the Bucks. If Turner can find his footing and start asserting himself more aggressively on offense, there’s still plenty of time for this to work. But if not, his role could continue to shrink - and whispers about his long-term fit in Milwaukee may start to grow louder.
For now, the Bucks are leaning on their depth to stay afloat without their superstar. And right now, Bobby Portis is doing more than just keeping them competitive - he’s making a strong case for a bigger role, regardless of who’s healthy.