Bucks Zone

Giannis Antetokounmpo looks back on the journey he’s had together with Khris Middleton

Giannis and Khris has seen the highs and the lows of the Bucks.

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
In this story:

Giannis Antetokounmpo has seen the Milwaukee Bucks starve for wins and feast at the table of champions. And through it all—11 years to be exact—he’s had wingman Khris Middleton by his side. So, when the former Texas A&M star checked a milestone in his career, becoming the franchise’s fifth all-time leading scorer with 11,555 points, Giannis couldn’t be any happier for his longtime teammate.

Solid bond

When Giannis was drafted 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft, Middleton was in his second season in the league and arrived in Milwaukee as part of the trade that sent Brandon Jennings to Detroit. The duo endured the grind before becoming All-Stars and key cogs of the Bucks’ ascension to the NBA title in 2021.

“I’m happy for him because I’ve been by his side for 11 years and for many more years to come,” Giannis said. “It’s something that’s going to connect us for the rest of our lives. When we’re done playing, we can both see our names up there and remember the journey that we had together.”

On track to becoming the top two scorers in franchise history

It’s been an incredible journey for Giannis and Middleton, one that not many thought would materialize. After all, Giannis came from nearly nothing in Greece to becoming the franchise’s all-time leader in points scored. On the other hand, Middleton was a solid player who eventually became a two-way terror and clutch shotmaker for the Bucks.

“It’s incredible,” Giannis added. “It’s incredible. From where we started and where we are right now, it’s been a great journey. I’ve been with this guy for 11 years, I don’t think anybody expected (us) to be in this position that we are today. He’s No. 5 now? He’s probably going to be No. 2. I don’t know if he’s going be No. 1.”

Khris Middleton moves up to 5th spot on the Bucks all-time scoring list

Published
Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO