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2016 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top 10 Risers And Fallers

By Nathan Grubel

Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 17, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) drives on Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the first quarter at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) scores against Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 21, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Bobby Portis (5) scores against Sacramento Kings center Kosta Koufos (41) during the first half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Bobby Portis, Chicago Bulls

Here’s where we get to the fun part: the risers.

These guys are the talents who slipped in the draft but are proving themselves as the players who have the most promise as rotation fixtures/stars in the NBA for years to come.

Bobby Portis is one of the risers for sure, as he’s put himself in the most improved among rookies conversation thanks to his stellar play in the second half of the season.

Did he always have this ability? He was the SEC Player of the Year in his last collegiate campaign at Arkansas, and he put his potential on display at the Vegas Summer League, but he didn’t get the role he deserved at the start of the year because of the depth of big men in the Bulls’ rotation.

Due to a few injuries Portis got quality minutes to show just who he is as a basketball player, and man has he looked good.

He has a capable jump shot that stretches out to the three-point line, a knack for scoring inside the arc and quality rebounding ability thanks to his length and anticipation.

In time we’ll figure out if he’s better suited at the 4 or 5-spot but there’s no question he’s the kind of post player that’s coveted in the league right now.

Versatility is everything today and Portis is one of the bigs in this draft class who has it.

Next: Next Up In Indiana