Report: Nikola Mirotic was aggressor in Bobby Portis altercation

Mar 7, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Orlando Magic guard Nikola Vucevic (9) competes during the NBA All-Star Skills Challenge at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

More details continue to emerge in the ugly incident between Chicago Bulls teammates Nikola Mirotic and Bobby Portis.

Veteran basketball writer Peter Vecsey reported on Wednesday that Mirotic was the aggressor in the altercation with Portis at Bulls practice this week that left him with facial fractures and a concussion after Portis punched him.

Per Vecsey:

Mirotic initiated the skirmish. “He was the aggressor, not Portis,” I am informed. “Mirotic shoved Portis twice, maybe three times. When Portis retaliated with a hard shove, Mirotic charged him. Portis put him down.”

Mirotic will be out for a lengthy period due to the injuries he sustained. As for Portis, although he got a sizable suspension from the Bulls for the incident, this news may at least bode well for his chances of keeping his roster spot.

H/T The Big Lead