Bobby Portis and Dwyane Wade Had Heated Confrontation In 2016

Bobby Portis is best remembered for his fiery effort playing style as a member of the Chicago Bulls. While never becoming a star, he was a solid workhorse during his time with the team before he was traded to Washington this past season. However, there may be another reason beyond a poor fit and looming money concerns. It seems the former 1st round pick was considerably combative.

Most people remember the confrontation Portis had with Nikola Mirotic during the 2017-2018 season. It started during a routine practice. The two had words and tempers soon flared. Portis ended up giving Mirotic a concussion and a broken jaw. A rather humbling end to a disappointing NBA career for the overseas star. What many people may not know is he was almost not the first to feel Portis' wrath.

Future Hall of Fame guard Dwyane Wade came dangerously close the season before. According to Marc Berman of the New York Post, Wade drew a lot of heat in the locker room when he questioned the work ethic of several young players on the team. Portis, a renowned gym rat, took major exception to such a slight and wasn't afraid to confront the veteran about it.

That is why, during Dwyane Wade’s miscast 2016-17 season in Chicago, the 6-foot-11 Bulls power forward got his hackles up when the Miami legend famously called out the young Bulls to the press for not working hard enough after a loss. The next day, a team meeting was staged, with Wade explaining his comments to his teammates. According to an NBA source, as Wade talked, Portis stared him down.

“Wade finally says, ‘What’s up, Bobby?’’’ the NBA source said. “Bobby laid into him, saying, ‘You might be a better player, but don’t ever challenge my work ethic.’ He accused Wade of not working hard enough by not practicing.’’

Bobby Portis is clearly playing the wrong sport

There is no question Portis is a solid NBA player. However, upon hearing stuff like this, it's hard not to feel like he should've chosen a different sport than basketball. That work ethic and toughness would've served him so well in boxing or MMA. Or perhaps he could've dabbled in hockey as an enforcer every NHL team loves to have. One thing is for sure. The guy isn't afraid of anybody, regardless of stature.

If only he'd gotten a chance to play on better teams. Maybe Chicago fans would've come to appreciate him a bit more. Such is the sad reality of sports. Timing can often be everything when it comes to making a career. Now it appears he's hoping to instill some of that toughness into the dejected New York Knicks. Perhaps that's something the franchise desperately needs. If nothing else, it's probably best that Wade only stayed for one season in Chicago.