More than a few folks out there will argue that the Milwaukee Bucks took a significant step toward their championship aspirations with the addition of Damian Lillard. Giannis Antetokounmpo demanded change this offseason, and the front office delivered in the best way possible.
At the same time, however, there’s also no denying that all this has led to the fact that it’s going to be championship or bust for the Bucks in 2023-24.
Khris Middleton Speaks Out on Milwaukee Bucks’ Championship Window
Khris Middleton is well aware of this notion. This man was an integral part of Milwaukee’s title run in 2021, and he will be an important factor yet again if the Bucks are to go all the way this year.
At this point, however, even Middleton admits that the clock is ticking on his team:
“(I’ve learned) not to take this window for granted,” Middleton told Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “Having this window for five, six years, that’s a long time to have a chance to win. It’s disappointing that we have only won one, but that just drives you to go for more, drives you to try to take advantage of the opportunity. However many more years we have left in this window, hopefully it’s four or five, but realistically, you never know. It could be shorter.”
He’s absolutely right. Middleton is already 32 and he likely just signed the last big-money contract extension of his career this summer.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is already 28, while Damian Lillard is 33. The Bucks have a lot of experience under their belt, but at the same time, there’s also no doubt that this is an aging team.
Living in the Now
Given all this, Middleton just wants to make the most of whatever he can, while he can. He knows that this isn’t going to last forever and that the harsh reality is that it could actually be gone in an instant.
“Every day, you’re trying to take advantage of that knowing that this window could be over tomorrow,” he said. “So, come out here, try to be as great as you can, try to perfect your craft and eventually, hopefully that leads to a championship, and that leads to you keep contending for championships year after year.”
This is exactly the type of mindset you would expect from a guy like Khris Middleton. This man has been through so much in his career, and he’s learned to take on a pragmatic approach to the game. If you think about it, this is also what makes him so dangerous.
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