2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Post All-Star Break Expectations

Feb 5, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 115-110. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

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Jan 28, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) guards Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell (1) in the first half of the game at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Bobby Portis, Chicago Bulls

Portis has emerged as one of my favorite rookies to watch because of his skill set.

Standing at 6-foot-11 Portis can go inside and finish in the post as well as step out and shoot from distance. He’s confident when playing at either end of the floor and can make plays both in transition and in the halfcourt.

His overall body of talents is very advanced for a 20-year-old big man who is excellent for the Bulls considering they’re doing everything they can to win and compete now.

What Portis’ surprising play means however is that one of Chicago’s big men could be traded to make proper room for him in the rotation. That may not happen anymore this season because of the injury bug that’s plagued the Bulls, but it certainly opens the door for a potential deal once this year’s over.

In terms of expectations I don’t see Portis slowing down in terms of production. The more minutes he gets the more he’ll improve. All he needs are more repetitions and confidence and he’ll be a more consistent threat for Chicago.

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