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Nickel: There’s a lot to appreciate about Bobby Portis this season, including how he reworked his jump shot

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Nickel: There’s a lot to appreciate about Bobby Portis this season, including how he reworked his jump shot


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There’s a lot to appreciate about Bobby Portis this year, and 82 things to appreciate about him this week. But there’s one thing that maybe has been overlooked a little bit this whole time he’s been in Milwaukee: his shot.

The 6-foot-10 power forward actually changed it a lot, with the help of someone he affectionally call an “OG.” Marcus McCarroll, who first met Portis almost 20 years ago, has two winter coats. One for his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas, and another for Milwaukee.

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“The Arkansas one doesn’t work well enough in Milwaukee,” McCarroll said with a laugh.

In February during the all-star break, Portis didn’t rest – though he had every reason to. Instead, he met up with McCarroll, his longtime friend, mentor, fitness trainer and former youth coach. McCarroll came to Wisconsin to work with Portis, taking advantage of the down time by putting in the extra work, even if it meant sneaking out to the gym late at night after rest.

Bobby Portis played in every game this season

And that work is partly why, for the first time in his career, Portis played in all 82 regular-season games this season.

“It’s been cool, man, just to be available for my team,” Portis said after practice early this week. “Knowing that I’m going to be out there, ready to go.”

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During the pandemic-shortened 2019-20 season with the New York Knicks, Portis played all 66 games, but this year really stood out. For a Bucks team riddled with injured players, Portis was reliable, always there, always ready to contribute. 

As the Bucks spent Tuesday and Wednesday preparing for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series against Indiana on Sunday, they were without injured Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. So coach Doc Rivers focused on two scorers and playmakers, Khris Middleton and Portis.

More: Game times, schedule set for Bucks vs Pacers in first round of 2024 NBA playoffs

And Portis, who averaged 24.5 minutes per game, embraced the opportunity. He’s ready for the postseason. He credits the Bucks training staff, his work ethic and playing with Team USA in the national basketball program last summer as his reasons for playing in peak form all year.

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“I’ve been hoopin’ since July,” Portis said, “you feel me; I’ve been hoopin’ for a minute. Came into training camp already ready to roll. I was in the best shape of my career. And I think it kind of showed throughout the season.

“You know I play hard, so … to play with energy every night. It was great.”

Putting in the work to improve his shot

But McCarroll emphasizes that Portis’ work journey goes way back before then, back to when he started strength training at age 15 seriously.

The best way to tell Portis’ progress, especially offensively, is in his shot. Portis used to sometimes put the ball almost over his head – in his college days, his early days as a pro and even when he got to the Bucks for his first season in 2020.

Now, Portis’ shot is pretty, whether coming from the post or outside. He’s shooting 40.7% on three-pointers and 54.5% on twos. Remember when he said he used to work on that baby sky hook to exhaustion until he hated it? Well it’s part of his shooting arsenal now.

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“It was like a reverse process for us,” McCarroll said. “We had a trial and error, we were trying to understand the shot before, instead of studying the shot and trying to tweak it. We did it backwards, but I like it now.”

All that work took years.

“Absolutely had to tweak his shot just a little bit,” McCarroll said this week in a phone call. “He had the on-top-of the head release. And it wasn’t so much about his accuracy, but he would let it go at different points a lot of times, or he wouldn’t have his hips under the ball. So the timing mechanism was off a little bit.”

Portis and McCarroll sought outside help and opinions. They tried a lot of different things.

“We really focused on that that year that we came into Milwaukee to work on our shot,” McCarroll said. “It took years to get to that point where we could go in and change a shot, you know. I tell kids it’s hours and hours you got to put into it to make it feel natural and be able to do it repetitive times over and over and over and over and over again.”

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Portis also does a good job of bending his knees with that shot, especially when he’s open.

“It’s more of a balance thing – I try to make sure that I’m on balance best as I can,” Portis said. “Shooting is all about form and balance, not leaning to the left or right.

“Nine years ago when I come into the league, it was kind of funky. I was bringing it over my head to shoot. … My form is way different.”

Nickel: Cool, calm and collected, Bucks coach Doc Rivers adapts to a practice without Giannis and Damian Lillard

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Rivers, who has openly coached Portis from Day 1, it seems, on how he wants him to approach his shooting against various defenses –  and not rushing –  also seems impressed by Portis. He said he always thought highly of him, but coaches and players form opinions about others in the league, and those opinions could be misguided at times.

“It’s an example of you don’t know a guy until you play with him or coach him. I knew he could shoot; I didn’t know he could shoot, you know what I mean?” Rivers said.

NBA Sixth Man of the Year Award

As for the NBA’s Sixth Man of the Year Award, Portis will probably get a lot of votes again this year. Will it be enough to finally win it? That’s unclear.

“I’m cool with who I am and I impact winning at the highest level,” he said.





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Milwaukee, WI

Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20

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Today’s Summerfest schedule and picks: Saturday, June 20


Every morning throughout Summerfest 2026, we’ll deliver a guide that covers the day’s entertainment and how you can get in the gate free of charge. This is where you’ll find info about the AmFam Amp headliners, eclectic picks from our knowledgeable staff and the music lineup for the day (see the full 2026 Summerfest lineup here).

Today at the AmFam Amp + Radio Milwaukee staff pick #1

Carín León, 7 p.m.

For the first time in the festival’s 58-year history, a Spanish-language artist is headlining the main amphitheater. As a Mexican, it’s super exciting to see rising stars bring our music and vibrant dancing to an entirely new crowd. Hearing live banda is a whole new world and something everyone needs to experience at least once in their life. Think of it as a taste of what Mexican Fiesta brings to the lakefront every August (coming very soon, too!). Grab a beer your boots and your tickets to witness a very special moment.

— Leslie Garcia Ramirez

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Radio Milwaukee staff pick #2

The Academy Is… @ Miller Oasis, 10:30 p.m.

In the midst of the emo and screamo wave of the early to mid 2000s, this Midwest band made a name for themselves. Still, you may have missed The Academy Is… like I did.

Fortunately, I got some help after becoming a diehard fan boy of the Milwaukee indie-rock outfit Whips (RIP! 😢) and discovered that band wasn’t Milwaukee-based drummer Andy Mrotek’s first rodeo. Mrotek was with The Academy Is… almost from day one, did his own thing when the group broke up and returned when they got back together a few years back.

Since reconnecting, the band have been touring and recording, and this past March they released their most recent album — their first in nearly 20 years. Whether you’re a fan of The Academy Is… or just loved the genre, reunite with your mid-2000s self and check them out at the Miller Oasis (and come early to check out fellow emo greats Braid, which you may hear about momentarily).

— Jay Burseth

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Radio Milwaukee staff pick #3

Braid @ Miller Oasis, 8:30 p.m.

Hailing from the Midwest Emo Holy Land of Champaign, Ill., Braid is the sonic personification of everything it means to grow up in the chilling plains of Middle America. The stinging lyrics and pouting guitars amalgamate to anthems that have had angsty teens in a chokehold since well before their landmark 1998 album, Frame and Canvas.

This posse of sad dads is set to take on the Miller Oasis, making their return to the Summerfest grounds for the first time since 2015, when they closed the set with their love note for our great city, “Milwaukee Sky Rocket.” Braid’s irrefutable impact on our city’s emo scene will be sure to draw in kickers and screamers from all over, and you won’t want to miss it.

— Matthew Poulton

Radio Milwaukee staff pick #4

Trapper Schoepp @ Uline Warehouse, 5:30 p.m.

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It’s always a special treat to see Milwaukee bands playing Summerfest. I get excited to think about all the new fans our local artists reach when they hit the stage — something singer-songwriter Trapper Schoepp has experienced a time or two over his wonderful career.

One of Milwaukee’s true artists, Schoepp’s career in music literally started as an accident. While recuperating from a BMX-related back injury, he heard Bob Dylan’s “Hurricane” and was inspired to pick up a guitar as a “safer” hobby. He put out his first record at the age of 17 with his brother Tanner; he’s collaborated with Bob Dylan, Nicole Atkins and Wilco; and — almost two decades later — he’s still one of those musicians who seems to thrive onstage.

Schoepp’s songs are a slice of Americana with a bit of a punk-rock edge. He sings about the nostalgia of his youth on Bay Beach Amusement Park, and his journey through addiction and recovery on new album Osborne. Will he come out into the crowd and play guitar while standing on the benches with you? Check out the show this today and find out for yourself.

How to get in free today

Briggs & Stratton United Way Diaper & Wipe Drive

Help United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County provide essential diapers and wipes to families across the community. Between noon and 3 p.m., the first 1,500 patrons who donate new unopened wipes or diapers with a total minimum value of $10 per person will receive one free admission ticket, valid for the day and time of the promotion only. All donations benefit United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County’s Diaper Bank network.

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Summerfest schedule for Saturday, June 20

American Family Insurance Amphitheater

American Family Insurance House

  • 4 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 2 p.m. — Flipturn

BMO Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — David Lee Roth
  • 7:15 p.m. — Kirstie Kraus
  • 5:30 p.m. — Substitute: Tales From The Who

Miller Lite Oasis

  • 10:30 p.m. — The Academy Is…
  • 8:30 p.m. — Braid
  • 6:30 p.m. — The Juliana Theory
  • 4:30 p.m. — Colin Bracewell
  • 2:45 p.m. — American Progress
  • 1:15 p.m. — IDKCONUNDRUM

T-Mobile Stage

  • 10:15 p.m. — Nate Smith
  • 8:15 p.m. — McCoy Moore
  • 6:15 p.m. — Scott Wolverton
  • 4:15 p.m. — Rhys Rutherford
  • 2:30 p.m. — Will Terry
  • 12:45 p.m. — Lauren Gottshall

Generac Power Stage

  • 9:30 p.m. — Flipturn
  • 7:30 p.m. — Penelope Road
  • 5:30 p.m. — Winyah
  • 3:30 p.m. — Old Mervs
  • 2 p.m. — Tobacco Road
  • 12:30 p.m. — The Band Solstice

Uline Warehouse

  • 9:30 p.m. — Christopher Cross
  • 7:30 p.m. — Don Felder
  • 5:30 p.m. — Trapper Schoepp
  • 3:30 p.m. — A.J. Croce
  • 2 p.m. — Kenneth Brian Band
  • 12:30 p.m. — Milly & The Mayhem

Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard

  • 10 p.m. — Connor Price
  • 8 p.m. — Weston Estate
  • 6 p.m. — Graham
  • 4 p.m. — SM6
  • 2:30 p.m. — Noah Richardson
  • 1 p.m. — Sarah Krohn

Aurora Pavilion

  • 9 p.m. — Aspen
  • 7 p.m. — Dexter & The Moonrocks
  • 5:45 p.m. — Red Leather
  • 4:30 p.m. — Altered By Mom
  • 3:15 p.m. — Cigarettes @ Sunset
  • 2:15 p.m. — Candy Cigarette
  • 1:45 p.m. — Woraz
  • 1:15 p.m. — Take Back the Sun
  • 12:45 p.m. — White Paper Walls
  • 12:15 p.m. — Mala Mala





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Milwaukee, WI

South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

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South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display


SOUTH MILWAUKEE, Wis. — A South Milwaukee homeowner is pushing back after the city ordered him to take down his year-round skeleton display, calling it a violation of property maintenance codes.

Sean Oster and his wife have maintained the display — featuring skeletons named Hector and Henrietta along with other decorations— for nearly two years, dressing them up for holidays, sports events, and other occasions.

Mike Beiermeister

The display in Sean’s front yard.

The display has drawn attention from neighbors and passersby, with some saying it has become part of the neighborhood’s character.

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Watch: South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

South Milwaukee homeowner fights city order to remove year-round skeleton display

“It’s like an expression of the owner’s passion… and I think it’s cool they can use their lawn that way,” neighbor Jeremy Payment said.

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Jeremy Payment

Mike Beiermeister

Jeremy Payment lives in the neighborhood and enjoys the display.

Last month, Oster received a letter from the city of South Milwaukee describing the skeletons as Halloween decorations being displayed outside the appropriate time of year and ordering him to remove them by July 7.

Under the city’s property maintenance code, yards must be kept free of anything considered an “unreasonable blighting influence,” which the city says can include displays left up out of season. The notice also flagged an inoperable vehicle on the property. Each violation could result in fines of up to $500 per day if not corrected by the deadline.

Oster says he understands part of the city’s concern.

“They have a few points… I’ve got a couple collector cars… I understand those shouldn’t be out,” Oster said.

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Sean in his yard

Mike Beiermeister

Sean in his yard

He plans to move the cars into the garage and clean up the yard, but says the skeletons are staying.

“I don’t think it’s hurting anybody. It’s literally a victimless crime,” Oster said.

Oster also had a message for whoever filed the complaint.

“Live with it… more people like it than hate it. And if we’re enforcing this, then we should go around and take down Christmas lights that are up year-round,” Oster said.

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The city administrator did not respond to a request for comment.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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Milwaukee, WI

Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee

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Giannis’ quiet trade market could keep him in Milwaukee


The Milwaukee Bucks’ impending trading of Giannis Antetokounmpo to a new team has been the buzziest NBA story since the New York Knicks won the title. But what if it never happens?

The stars are aligning for the Bucks to pitch a narrative to Giannis that for the second straight transaction cycle they’ve dangled him to the rest of the Association and gotten a tepid response. 

A few teams, like the Miami Heat, have been clearly interested. Many others, like the Boston Celtics, seem much more cautious and coy about their pursuit of the Greek Freak. Juggernauts like the Oklahoma City Thunder and San Antonio Spurs are less than a Giannis away from winning the championship, and neither team even seems willing to bid.

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Even Miami’s dogged pursuit may not include exhausting every possible means to add Giannis. After all, he’s into his 30s now, with a lot of basketball miles between NBA and international competition, and his representatives want a seat at the table, plus the injury history is getting extensive…

And then there’s the Bucks, an organization so committed to winning with Giannis they waived and stretched Damian Lillard last summer because they thought adding Myles Turner would lead to the next great Milwaukee frontcourt following Brook Lopez’s decline. There’s a pitch to be made right now from Jon Horst and the Bucks’ leadership that there’s no other NBA team out there who wants to win with Giannis as badly as they do.

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Outside from the human element of feeling wanted, there are more tangible elements in play. Giannis can’t sign his next massive extension until October 1 with Milwaukee, or six months following a trade if he is dealt. If his next team is hesitant to give up players or picks to trade for Giannis, is there really any guarantee that a max extension is on the table in 2027? 

The collective bargaining agreement’s extension rules offer somewhat of a double-edged sword in this case. It hurts the Bucks’ ability to keep Giannis that he can’t formally extend until the draft and free agency are over, but also the prospect of being able to sign before suiting up in 2026-27 is more appealing to Giannis than having to wait until January or February. Especially given the series of injuries that have plagued him.

All of this sentiment and security still isn’t enough in itself for Milwaukee. The Bucks would require a plan to improve quickly to get Antetokounmpo bought in again to avoid ending up back here, but in an even more desperate spot, come February. Upgrading from Doc Rivers to Taylor Jenkins is a great start, but executing trades and smart free agent signings will be crucial.

Is it serendipitous timing that the Bucks biggest position of need is wing players and the New Orleans Pelicans reportedly want to get into the range of the 2026 NBA Draft where Milwaukee is slated to pick, with rival teams eyeing young wings Trey Murphy and Herb Jones? Notably, those same Pelicans infamously overpaid to “get their guy” last Draft.

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This is more than likely some combination of pipe dream and fairy tale, given most of the reporting around Giannis continues to conclude he’ll be departing Milwaukee in the coming weeks. But even that is strangely optimistic for the Bucks, as they’ve reportedly quietly walked back ownership’s stated timeline of having a decision made by the draft.

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All of that said, it still feels more likely that Giannis is traded than not. But this saga has had its share of twists and turns so far and throughout all the noise Giannis has re-signed with the Bucks. Who’s to say that couldn’t happen one more time?

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