Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton spent the first year of his career with the Detroit Pistons, which is the same team that drafted him in the second round of the 2012 NBA Draft. The Pistons traded him to the Bucks the following season, and he has since established himself as one of the most prominent figures in Bucks franchise history over the past 11 years.
As it turns out, former team owner Herb Kohl played an integral role in Middleton’s arrival in Milwaukee as well as his decision to remain with the team.
Khris Middleton Speaks Out on Death of Former Milwaukee Bucks Owner
Robert Kohl passed away on Wednesday at the age of 88. The cause of death has yet to be made public, but an official statement indicated that the former United States Senator battled a brief illness before his passing.
Heartfelt tributes have come pouring in from within and around the Bucks organization honoring the legacy of the former team owner. For Middleton, his connection with Kolh runs deep. According to the three-time All-Star, Kohl actually played a pivotal role in his career with the Bucks:
“Just a bright light in Milwaukee,” Middleton said of Kohl, via Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “He was a big part of me coming to Milwaukee and of me staying in Milwaukee, but also the team and the entire organization. I know how generous he was and how well-respected he was across the country. So rest in peace to him. I hope his family is doing well and he and his family will continue to be in my prayers.”
While Middleton did not go into detail as to the specific role Kolh played in his move to Milwaukee more than a decade ago, it would not be surprising if the former owner had a say in that trade.
Since then, Middleton has renewed his contract with the Bucks three times, including last summer when he put pen to paper on a massive three-year, $102 million extension. By then, Kohl had already sold his stake in the team for many years, but the owner has remained connected to the organization. Again, it would not be surprising if he had some sort of influence on Middleton’s decision to stay in Milwaukee.
1988 Press Photo Herb Kohl Compares Coffee Cakes At Milwaukee News Conference
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