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The Milwaukee Bucks’ gritty and sweet-shooting big man Bobby Portis has given his commitment to playing for Team USA in the FIBA World Cup in the Philippines this year. This development stems from a report by reputable NBA insider Shams Charania. If this comes to fruition, Team USA will have a versatile forward capable of extending defenses with his proficient three-point shooting and providing valuable interior production.

Expected to provide a spark off the bench

Charania also provided more details into what the former Arkansas star’s role would be for the team coached by Steve Kerr, indicating:

“Portis, 28, is an eight-year NBA vet and versatile big man off the Bucks’ bench,” Charania wrote. “A similar role is likely on Team USA.”

Portis is coming off a season wherein he posted incredible numbers of 14.1 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. He made nearly 50 percent of his shots, including a robust 37 percent from beyond the arc. His efforts certainly did not go unnoticed, as he was a finalist for the Sixth Man of the Year award and was one of the league leaders in double-doubles.

Stacked team

Team USA is on a mission to regain glory in the FIBA World Cup, as the last time they competed in this tournament, they lost twice and finished a dismal seventh place in the 2019 edition that was held in China.

Aside from Portis, also committing to Team USA were a host of rising stars in Minnesota’s Anthony Edwards, Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton, New York’s Jalen Brunson, Brooklyn’s Mikal Bridges, and Los Angeles’ Austin Reaves.