Boca Raton, FL – As the Miami Heat completed its first day of training camp at Florida Atlantic University, it was an opportunity for the new players on the team to start and get acclimated to their surroundings. While the Heat have Giannis Antetokounmpo at the forefront, another player under the radar that will play a pivotal role for the team is Bobby Portis Jr., as head coach Erik Spoelstra sang the praises of the big man.

With Miami trading Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel'el Ware, Kasparas Jakucionis, and significant draft capital for Antetokounmpo, the team also got Portis from the Milwaukee Bucks in the same deal.

It makes Portis an underrated aspect of the trade, as the veteran brings rebounding and three-point shooting. The 31-year-old is coming off a season where he averaged 13.7 points and 6.4 rebounds per game while shooting 48.8 percent from the field and 45.6 percent from beyond the arc on 4.4 attempts per contest from that range.

Also known for bringing immense physicality to the team, that could be considered an understatement, as Spoelstra said when facing Portis, “you dislike him,” as the Heat and Bucks have faced countless times.

“I love Bobby's motor and toughness; I always have. When he's on the other side, you dislike him,” Spoelstra said. “And then I got to know him at the World Cup, and I absolutely love him then; I just think he's a winning player. He brings that toughness, physicality that are Miami Heat-like, and we're drawn to players like that. But he also brings a voice and leadership qualities. He's still trying to learn this, obviously, and fit in. But eventually, I think he's going to be a great voice of leadership.”

Erik Spoelstra talking today after the first day of training camp, spoke more about the Giannis/Bam pairing, I asked about the impact Bobby Portis, and much more: #FAU #Heat pic.twitter.com/wn2zrs2diq

— Zachary Weinberger (@ZachWeinberger) September 29, 2026

Heat's Bobby Portis Jr. on working with Udonis Haslem

Portis will be crucial to Miami's depth and second unit, also helping in giving Antetokounmpo a familiar face as the two played in Milwaukee from 2020 to 2026, as the two won a championship with the organization in 2021.

Tuesday's training camp saw Portis, Antetokounmpo, Bam Adebayo, and Nick Richards work on drills with Heat icon Udonis Haslem, as Portis speaks on that developing relationship and how they share similarities.

“It's been real good, man,” Portis said to ClutchPoints on the connection with Haslem. “Me and UD [Haslem] kind of similar, using our voice, being a leader. It's been fun to have him around. Obviously, the last couple days, man, been hanging out, especially in practice, giving me little pointers, trying to pick up on things a little faster.”

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“Obviously, new to the system, with the cutting and spacing it back out and things like that. So, trying to get acclimated to it,” Portis continued. “So, I think it's good to have guys that've already still been here, that know the system, that can help the new guys as well.”

Bobby Portis Jr. on fitting with the Heat

With the excitement on the Heat palpable with all the new additions, it's very much in the realm of possibility that Portis becomes a fan-favorite with his personality on and off the court. As Spoelstra mentioned, Portis is a Miami-type of player, with the star expressing that he ‘gets it now' when it comes to the Heat.

“I just think the effort and energy ain't taking no plays off. You know, coming in and being like lackadaisical. You know, you got to be ready to play. Everybody that's here is going to be ready to make the impact if their number is called. I think that's kind of bittersweet. That's all I ever wanted to play on this team for the dogs, team for guys that stay ready to stay in the gym,” Portis said.

“So that's refreshing in that regard as well,” Portis continued. “A bunch of young guys that work hard, a bunch of young guys that come in, get their shots up, and they compete at a high level too. So playing against the Heat all these years, couple playoff series, I get it now. They prepare their guys for coming in and being ready, so it's gonna be gonna be fun.

At any rate, Portis, Antetokounmpo, and the rest of the team strive to further build the chemistry for the rest of training camp at FAU, which ends on Friday ahead of Saturday's preseason opener against the Toronto Raptors.