Even though he helped the Milwaukee Bucks win a ring in 2021, Khris Middleton hasn’t really aided the team in getting another championship that much. That’s why he is being seen as an overpaid player with more cons than pros to his name.
Middleton has undergone arthroscopic surgeries on both of his ankles this offseason. According to reports, he is expected to be ready to return in time for the NBA opener.
The surgery on Middleton’s left ankle was related to a sprain he suffered earlier this year, when he landed on Kevin Durant’s foot after taking a jumper. The injury lingered throughout the season. The surgery on his right ankle was a minor arthroscopic procedure meant to clean up a lingering issue.
Injuries have been an issue for the Bucks star over the past few years. An MCL sprain suffered in the 2022 playoffs may have cost the Bucks a shot at repeating as champions. He then played only 33 games during the 2022-23 season as he dealt with further knee issues, and last season, he played in just 55 games.
The Bucks are heavily reliant on the highly-paid Middleton, and they need him at full strength if they hope to contend for a championship. The team has made some offseason roster additions, but his health will be crucial to their success in the upcoming season.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Khris Middleton Among Overpaid Players in the NBA
As compared to most players on Milwaukee’s roster, Middleton’s contract is more expensive for the franchise. In an article by Rudy LB for Behind the Buck Pass, the All-Star wing was recently named as one of the team’s most overpaid players.
“When you look at the numbers, it really can be quite staggering. It’s a big number that stands out. Middleton is owed $31.5 million dollars this season And over $34 million next season! Middleton makes more than Olympian Jrue Holiday, Julius Randle, Tyler Herro, and Jalen Brunson. The Bucks would more than likely be a much better team with any of those four guys versus Middleton.
Middleton makes more than Nicola Vucevic, Myles Turner, and Jakob Poeltl. Then again, Brook Lopez makes more than Nicola Vucevic, Myles Turner, and Jakob Poeltl. But without Middleton’s contract, this team would look a lot different.
No one can blame Middleton for getting paid. When we start to look at his projected stats for the upcoming 2024-2025 season, it does not seem like he’s going to be able to justify that $31 million number. For that reason alone, he should be put as number one on our list of overpaid Bucks,” LB wrote.
Middleton has been in the league for around 12 years. Over his career, he has averaged 16.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 46.0% from the field, 87.9% from the free-throw line, and 38.8% from 3-point range.
It remains to be seen whether Middleton can give the Bucks more bang for he buck when it comes to his contract. If not, expect the duo of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to shoulder more of the offense next season.
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