The Nikola Mirotic-Bobby Portis saga may finally have reached its an end. “May” being an optimal word there.
The two Bulls teammates got in a preseason fight at practice that left Mirotic with a concussion and facial fractures and Portis with an 8-game suspension. There were, understandably, considerable tensions between the two in the aftermath of the incident, with Mirotic refusing to respond to Portis’ efforts to reach out to him.
Portis has since returned to the floor and has been one of the few bright spots for Chicago in an otherwise dismal (but expected) start to the season. Mirotic, on the other hand, recently returned to the Bulls’ facility and is just getting back to being with the team on the bench. Early on in Mirotic’s return, he was still not speaking with Portis. Mirotic’s camp reportedly requested a trade from Chicago, although the Bulls can’t acquiesce such a request until January, and the Bulls’ roster allegedly prefers Portis of the two.
In short, things have not been good in the Windy City. However, it appears the tide may be turning, at least outwardly, in the relationship between the two as Mirotic told reporters on Wednesday he had accepted Portis’ apology and would continue to be a good teammate and support Portis and the rest of the team.
Mirotic said he accepts Portis’ apology.
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 29, 2017
Asked if Portis knows he has accepted apology or if he just accepted apology now when asked by reporters: “I guess he will now.”
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 29, 2017
Mirotic on Portis: "I've been playing this game 9 years professionally. I was always a good teammate, always professional with everybody. I'm going to continue to do that. If I'm here, it's because I want to support the team. He's a part of the team. I'm going to support him too"
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 29, 2017
The two were even photographed dapping each other up during the game on Tuesday as Portis returned to the bench.
Ace Tribune photographer @chris_sweda nailed this shot: pic.twitter.com/BMmPqti5sx
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) November 29, 2017
While Portis and Mirotic are saying the right things, there is surely still tension there and the issue may not be resolved just yet. Mirotic was asked about his alleged trade request, and offered a vague, non-denial in response, per K.C. Johnson of the Chicago Tribune.
“I don’t know about it. I just know that right now the only goal — Bulls’ goal and my goal — is to make me get back with the team and practice together and get my strength back and as soon as I can, play with the team,” he said. “I’m really excited to be back … and everybody is trying to help me feel comfortable.”
Portis can’t be dealt until January 15, so no matter his feelings on being Portis’ teammate he’s stuck there for another month and a half.
