MILWAUKEE– Bobby Portis Jr. hosts a free meet-and-greet as a final goodbye to Milwaukee Bucks fans.
The former Milwaukee Bucks player greeted fans at Hypeboys in downtown Milwaukee on Wednesday, July 8.
The pop-up event was a way to say thank you, before he heads off to the Miami Heat, along with Bucks all-star Giannis Antetokounmpo.
“The love and support that I get from the community, the fans, the organization is second to none,” said Portis.
Spending half his NBA career in Milwaukee, Portis grew to become a beloved fan favorite
“It was vital for me to come out, give some fans some support, show them some love back, just for all the love they showed me.”
Notably, he was the Bucks’ signature sixth man, coming off the bench with the whole arena chanting “Bobby, Bobby, Bobby!”
“Basketball is one thing, but I think I cherish the relationships more because the relationships are what
keep you going, they never end,” said Portis.
Nicknamed the “Mayor of Milwaukee”, Portis lived up to his title, often partnering with Milwaukee tourism campaigns and attending community events.
Originally from Arkansas, Portis resonated with the hard-working folks of Cream City.
“I’m from a small town,” said Portis. “Similar to here, there are small town people that work hard for everything they have-a blue collar city; I’m a blue collar player.”
A self-proclaimed “underdog”, Portis hopes his time in Milwaukee reminds others that you can beat the odds and be anything you want to be.
“It’s been great to be a part of this community, be a part of this organization and get to get all the support that I’ve had over the last six years.” said Portis.
From 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., dozens of people lined up outside the building for autographs and photos with Portis.
For five hours straight, Portis signed anything from basketballs to life-size cut outs; no fan was turned away.
Bucks fan Will Lindquiast stood in line holding a box of bobbleheads, hoping to get them signed.
“Just wanted to give the mayor a proper send-off before he goes to Miami,” said Linquist.
After waiting in line for over an hour, Lindquiast just enjoyed being surrounded by fellow Bucks fans.
“Most of these players, when they get traded, are already in their new destinations,” said Lindquiast. “So to be able to actually stand in line with Milwaukee people, Milwaukee crowd- it’s incredible.”
In line with Lindquiast was Tony Sergio, holding a giant bobblehead from the Buck’s NBA Championship win in 2021.
“It’d be really cool to get my bobblehead signed.” said Sergio.
Further up in line, another fan hoped to get her shoes autographed
“Bobby has been a very, very important person in my life,” said Diana Martinez. “Just in general. Not just a player, but as a human being; he is very positive with the city.”
As a Milwaukee local, Martinez attends Bucks games regularly, but is worried it won’t be the same.
When we go to games the Bobby, Bobby, Bobby energy won’t be there anymore,” said Matinez “Who knows who’s
gonna be next, but it’s not gonna have that Bobby energy anymore.”
The Milwaukee Bucks traded Portis and Antetokounmpo to the Miami Heat in exchange for Tyler Herro, Kel’el Ware, Jamie Jaquez Jr. and Kasparas Jakucionis and multiple first-round picks.
