PUNCHING IN
Portis scores team- high 21 in return and insists he’s not concerned about makeup of roster
TORONTO — Bobby Portis knows an ultimatum has been issued.
Nikola Mirotic and his camp informed the Bulls’ front office that either Portis had to go or Mirotic would be willing to waive his notrade clause.
Mirotic doesn’t want to share a locker room with a teammate who completely altered his season after punching him in the face last month. He suffered two broken bones and a concussion.
Portis is still holding out hope that he and Mirotic can repair the relationship, but he made it clear Tuesday that he’s not dwelling on it.
“He goes, I go, I can’t control that,’’ Portis said. “All I can control is me coming in to work every day, working hard, being the same kid that I’ve always been. If I can continue to do that, then that’s really all I can control.
“I want to rekindle our relationship, try as best as possible, but I don’t control that right now. I’m here to play basketball.’’
Portis almost single- handedly helped the Bulls overcome a lethargic first half and a 23- point deficit, scoring a team- high 21 points and grabbing 13 rebounds in the 119- 114 loss to the Toronto Raptors.
Not bad for a guywho was making his season debut after being suspended for eight games in the wake of that practice altercation during the preseason.
“Bobby gave us a great lift out there tonight,’’ coach Fred Hoiberg said. “He played with great emotion and gave us energy when we needed it.’’
But even Portis’ energy wasn’t enough in the first half, and that’s when Hoiberg stepped in.
“It was an awful effort defensively,’’ Hoiberg said.
“Body language sucked. We just shut down when our offense wasn’t going.
“It shouldn’t take me ripping them at halftime to come out and play with that type of effort and intensity. It’s got to be for 48 minutes if we want any chance of winning games.’’
Message received. The Bulls ( 2- 7) scored 36 points in the third quarter, then 33 in the fourth, making a game of it.
“It was kind of different, but I like that Fred did that with us [ at halftime],’’ Portis said. “It’s a reflection of him growing up as a coach, too. I respect Fred to the utmost.’’
His response backed that up. Portis scored 14 of the Bulls’ 33 points in the fourth.
“Surprised? No, I put a lot of work in this summer,’’ Portis said. “I respect the game of basketball.’’
As for the work he needs to do with Mirotic, Portis admitted that Mirotic still has not responded to a text and a message he left right after the incident, and he also said he has not tried to reach out to Mirotic since.
“I just let bygones be bygones,’’ Portis said. “I don’t have control over that.
‘‘ Not worried about who goes, who stays. The only thing I’m worried about is coming in here and trying to play at the highest level possible right now.’’
Hoiberg said Mirotic worked out again at the Advocate Center, adding weightlifting to his routine of the stationary bike and the swimming pool.
“Mirotic is still not doing any jogging, but he is upping his activity every day,’’ Hoiberg said. “That’s a great sign.’’