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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Midseason Grades

By Nathan Grubel

Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 17, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) dribbles in the second quarter against the Phoenix Suns forward Markieff Morris (11) at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) reacts to a call against him during the second half of an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. The Bulls won 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 5, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) reacts to a call against him during the second half of an NBA game against the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. The Bulls won 117-106. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Bobby Portis, Chicago Bulls

Portis wasn’t on my watch before the season started but it wasn’t his fault.

The Bulls have a treasure trove of talented big men meaning Portis didn’t get playing time for a long part of the season.

Luckily for us he’s earned meaningful minutes in Chicago’s rotation and he hasn’t let us down.

Per 40 minutes Portis is averaging a staggering 18.3 points and 11.9 rebounds per game, putting him up there with some of the best post players in the league let alone the most talented of his rookie peers.

He’s beloved because of his energy and shooting ability from outside, but if he ever becomes a consistent shot blocker and above-average defender Portis could be the Bulls’ answer for a star next to Jimmy Butler.

Grade: B+

Next: Bright Future In Tinseltown