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Report lists Khris Middleton as a player who could make or break the Milwaukee Bucks’ title aspirations
In today’s NBA landscape, having two superstars may not be enough to push a team into title contention. The reigning NBA champions Denver Nuggets have two-time MVP Nikola Jokic, who’s flanked by budding superstar Jamal Murray and high-quality players like Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr.
The Phoenix Suns have the “Big 3” of Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker, while the Los Angeles Clippers even boast of four All-Stars—albeit to disappointing results so far. As for the Bucks, they have superstars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, but as Yahoo Sports’ Ben Rohrbach notes, Khris Middleton is the difference-maker in their title hopes.
Hasn’t been the same
Injuries have ravaged Middleton late into his career. After getting limited to 33 regular season games last season, the team has continued to monitor and limit his minutes early this season.
“Khris Middleton has not been the same since starring alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo on the Milwaukee Bucks' 2021 NBA championship run. He hyperextended his left knee 21 games into their title defense, tore a tendon in his left wrist three months later, and soon felt the brunt of both, suffering a season-ending MCL sprain in his left knee (two games into the 2022 playoffs) and undergoing offseason surgery on the left wrist. Following the Miami Heat's first-round upset of Milwaukee, Middleton required a clean-up surgery on the right knee,” Rohrbach wrote.
Middleton is averaging just 11.1 points per game—the lowest mark of his career since his rookie campaign.
Rohrback did not pull his punches in describing Middleton’s performance this season, saying he is “nowhere near the third star Milwaukee needs to complement Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.”
Two-way player
The Bucks were aware of what they were compromising in trading for Lillard. While the team’s late-game offense improved, it’s their defense that has suffered the most. For that reason, the Bucks need Middleton to re-discover his two-way prowess if they are to make a deep run into the playoffs.
“The Bucks know full well they do not have the firepower to win another championship without Middleton impacting both ends of the floor, which is why they are doing everything in their power to ensure he is rehabilitated by the playoffs. We also have not seen that player since the 2021 NBA Finals. Finding his shot again is one thing; he may well rediscover the rhythm that made him a 38.8% career 3-point shooter. Playing the defense necessary on a team that starts Lillard and Malik Beasley in the backcourt is another,” Rohrback said.
