Bobby Portis Jr. to show off his acting chops in the film "SWEETWATER"

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Milwaukee Bucks star Bobby Portis Jr. is set to make his acting debut in the movie entitled "Sweetwater" where he'll be playing the role of Hall of Famer Earl Lloyd. The movie is the biopic of the first-ever African-African basketball player to sign an NBA contract—Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton.
Grateful to be part of this incredible movie
Portis recently expressed his gratitude for being given the opportunity to take part in this project by putting out a message on Twitter.
Blessed to play a part in telling this incredible story! Watch the official trailer for SWEETWATER, inspired by @NBA Hall of Famer Nat "Sweetwater" Clifton, the first African American to sign an NBA contract. Only in theaters April 14. #SweetwaterMovie pic.twitter.com/en0fy81o27
— Bobby BP Portis (@BPortistime) February 17, 2023
The development adds another entry to the impressive resume of the Arkansas native. Aside from being an NBA champion, he can now add "actor" to his list of roles. Portis, though, knows what his bread and butter is: putting the ball in the hoop. And he's slowly ramping up and preparing to make a return to the Bucks roster after missing a few weeks due to a knee injury.
Portis is having a spectacular season, averaging a double-double of 14.4 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. With Bucks ace Giannis Antetokounmpo set to sit out due to a sprained wrist, the Bucks will rely heavily on Portis and his production as they fight for a top spot in the Eastern Conference.
Who is Earl Lloyd?
Lloyd is a historic figure in professional basketball as he was the first Black player to play in an NBA game. That moment happened in 1950 when he played for the Washington Capitols, which selected him in the 9th round of the draft of that year. Lloyd was also the NBA's first Black assistant coach before becoming the head coach of the Detroit Pistons in 1971.
A 6-foot-5 forward, Lloyd also played for the Syracuse Nationals and Pistons and finished his nine-year career with averages of 8.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game.
USA TODAY Sports is publishing the series “28 Black Stories in 28 Days," during #BlackHistoryMonth
— USA TODAY Sports (@usatodaysports) February 21, 2023
We examine issues Black athletes continue to face in this nation.
Here is one of those stories. Earl Lloyd, the NBA's first Black player, was a force. https://t.co/cmGpQA75jm

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.