According to the Associated Press on Thursday, Milwaukee Bucks power forward Bobby Portis of Little Rock, Arkansas has been suspended 25 games by the National Basketball Association for violating the NBA’s anti-drug policy. He has tested positive for the drug Tramadol, a pain-killer used to treat an elbow injury. This is the longest suspension given to a NBA player this season.
Portis was under the impression he was taking the drug Toradol, which is approved by the NBA. It should be noted that Tramadol is not an illegal substance in the United States. It is a drug that can be prescribed legally to Americans. However, it is not a drug that the NBA allows.
In 46 games for the Bucks this season, Portis is averaging 13.7 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists per game. He has a field goal percentage of .463, three point percentage of .364, and a free throw percentage of .821.
Over the last five seasons, Portis has been among the best sixth man players of the year while playing center and power forward, and was part of the Bucks team that won the 2021 NBA Finals. In 2022-23, Portis placed only behind winner Michael Brogdon of the Boston Celtics and runner-up Immanuel Quickley of the New York Knicks for the NBA 6th Man of the Year Award. In 2023-24, Portis was third in voting again for the NBA 6th Man of the Year Award. This time he was only behind winner Naz Reid of the Minnesota Timberwolves and runner-up Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings.
The Bucks are currently the fifth seed in the NBA’s Eastern Conference. They have a record of 29 wins and 24 losses. Milwaukee has been much better at home (17-9) compared to the road (11-15).
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