Bobby Portis Calls Out Bucks As Giannis Future Looms

Merlin sees veteran Bobby Portis explode in a December practice after a 45-point loss, telling teammates, "This is why we suck ... we have no f--king urgency." That outburst was emblematic of a season that cratered to 31-47, the Bucks missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015-16. Milwaukee endured 13 losses by 25 or more points, a franchise high, and a four-game stretch where they were outscored by 97 points. Merlin senses the calm before a storm. Reports say Doc Rivers could be moved aside and the front office may eye significant roster change, even involving Giannis — "When your best player is one foot in, one foot out," a source warned. Portis’ passion exposed the team's fractures, and now a noisy offseason of coaching and possible trades looms.