The Bucks started the second half of their season exactly how they went into the All-Star break. With a decisive win. Yes, they got a dominant victory against the Clippers last night. But they had to do it without one of their key stars, Bobby Portis. That’s because he faced suspended for 25 games for violating NBA’s Anti-Drug program by testing positive for Tramadol, a banned painkiller in the league. Obviously, the Bucks franchise is feeling the impact of Bobby’s suspension, including Damian Lillard.

Addressing the shocking incident, Dame confessed during last night’s presser, “Bobby is a huge part of our team and huge part of our success. You know just emotionally, his energy his voice, and obviously what he brings on the floor.” Yes, Portis has been a pillar of the organization for the last five years, even playing a major role in the Bucks’ championship run in 2021.

Even this season, the veteran forward averages 13.7 points and over eight rebounds. Moreover, the intensity that he brings every night is infectious and pumps up the entire team. “It’s just something different that Bobby brings to the game for our team and it’s really important. So, you know you hear news like that, obviously it’s a hit to our team.” Lillard added.

However, as much as Bobby’s suspension stings, the Bucks have no option but to focus on what’s ahead. And this puts pressure on Doc Rivers, as Dame said, “We’re all professionals and we know we gotta hold it down for him and you know make sure that we stay on track when he does come back. I think it’ll make us a better team because we’ll have to find a way without him.” Now, it’s up to the head coach and the available players to make adjustments and hold on to their fifth seed in the East or climb higher in Portis’ absence. But what does Doc have to say about the controversial situation?

Doc Rivers defends Bobby Portis amid suspension, claims he’s not a “drug user!”

While Bobby did violate the league’s drug policy, he claims that it was an honest mistake, “I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation. During that time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill that is not approved.” Yes, instead of the approved Toradol, Portis accidentally took the banned Tramadol due to a mix up.

He even took accountability for his mistake, “I feel horrible and recognize that I’m responsible for what I put in my body. From the bottom of my heart, I want to apologize to the Bucks organization, my teammates, coaches, family, and fans.” As Bobby deals with the consequences, Doc Rivers expressed his disappointment at the outcome. Moreover, he defended his star forward, “Bobby, I want to make something clear, Bobby’s not a drug user… This was as big of a mistake as can be made. But it’s a mistake. And so, it bothers me on a lot of levels. I think, as a league–trying to steer close to the middle here–but we got to try to, rules are rules and I get it, but there are also human circumstances and common sense to me.”

Well, it is unlikely that the league will reduce the term of Bobby’s suspension because, even if it was a mistake, a policy was violated. And rules are rules. So, Rivers and the Bucks need to focus on how they are going to continue their playoff push for the next 25 games without Portis. Do you think they can do it?