The Milwaukee Bucks have long been on a mission to recapture the lightning in a bottle that was their 2021 championship run for the past couple of seasons. However, things have not worked out for them because of one thing or another.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is doing his part in helping the Bucks be in the most successful position they can be. Damian Lillard knows that he played below expectations in his first season with the team and promises to get better.
However, one analyst thinks that the success of the Bucks for the coming 2024-25 season isn’t lying entirely on the team’s star duo. He believes that one more underperforming member of the Bucks roster could transform the team into a perennial contender if he gets back into better shape for the long regular season.
Khris Middleton’s performance will be crucial in the Milwaukee Bucks’ 2025 championship hopes
According to Tyler Watts of Behind the Bucks Pass, Khris Middleton finally stepping up to become the third focal point of the Bucks offense would be important for the team’s championship hopes.
He claims that Middleton finally getting back to his All-Star form that became instrumental in the team’s 2021 run is going to be important, but he also understands that it will not likely happen:
He had surgery on both ankles (subscription required) this offseason. Middleton is expected to be ready for opening night, but the injuries are adding up. He has not played more than 70 games in a season since 2019 and has appeared in just 88 contests over the last two combined. Middleton’s minutes and production have dipped too. Asking the 33-year-old to recover his peak form is just too much.
Let’s not get anything twisted: Khris Middleton is still a terrific basketball player. He averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists on 49% shooting and 38% from distance despite only playing 55 games last season. He is still a solid scoring option whenever Giannis or Dame are pressed by opposing defenses.
However, his health is a primary concern for the squad. It’s hard to say how he’ll fare when he comes back from injury. The fact that it’s uncertain if he’ll be back before the season starts is a major red flag for the Bucks’ coaching staff.
Everyone in the Bucks organization and fandom hopes Middleton will return to his old self. However, they also have to prepare to move on from him should the opportunity present itself.
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