Khris Middleton may not be the most recognizable name in the NBA, but the 6’7″ forward has been a critical piece of the Milwaukee Bucks’ success in recent years. Despite being overshadowed by superstar teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, Middleton has emerged as a key player for the Bucks and an All-Star talent in his own right.
Middleton was born in South Carolina and played college basketball at Texas A&M before being selected by the Detroit Pistons in the second round of the 2012 NBA draft. After two seasons in Detroit, he was traded to the Bucks in 2013 and has been a fixture in Milwaukee’s starting lineup ever since.
Over the past few seasons, Middleton has emerged as one of the best two-way players in the league. He’s a versatile scorer who can knock down shots from the perimeter, create his own shot off the dribble, and finish at the rim. On defense, he’s a strong and physical wing defender who can guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses.
Middleton’s breakout season came in 2018-19 when he earned his first All-Star selection and helped lead the Bucks to the best record in the NBA. He averaged 18.3 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting an impressive 44.1% from three-point range. He also played a crucial role in the Bucks’ playoff run, averaging 19.2 points and 6.0 rebounds per game in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Toronto Raptors.
Last season, Middleton continued to play at a high level, averaging 20.9 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 4.3 assists per game while shooting 41.4% from three-point range. He played a key role in helping the Bucks earn the second-best record in the NBA and advance to the second round of the playoffs before losing to the Miami Heat in five games.
One of the things that sets Middleton apart from other players is his ability to perform in clutch situations. He’s hit numerous game-winning shots in his career, including a buzzer-beating three-pointer against the Miami Heat in a playoff game last season. His cool demeanor and ability to make big shots in pressure situations make him a valuable asset for the Bucks.
Despite his impressive statistics and consistent performance on the court, Middleton often goes overlooked by fans and analysts alike. He doesn’t have the flashy style of play or larger-than-life personality of some of the league’s biggest stars, and he often plays second fiddle to Antetokounmpo in the media’s narrative of the Bucks’ success.
However, it’s clear that Middleton’s contributions are vital to the Bucks’ success. His scoring ability, defensive versatility, and clutch performances make him a key piece of Milwaukee’s championship aspirations. As the Bucks look to contend for a title this season, expect Middleton to continue to play a major role in their success.
In conclusion, Khris Middleton may not be a household name for many basketball fans, but he’s proven himself to be one of the best players in the league. He’s a versatile scorer, a strong defender, and a clutch performer who consistently helps lead the Milwaukee Bucks to success. As the team looks to win their first championship since 1971, Middleton will undoubtedly play a critical role in their pursuit of glory.