Where is Khris Middleton?

Middleton: What has the Milwaukee Bucks all-star had to say on the season so far? Said in the past? Clues to the future?

In 2019-

 “I think GM Jon Horst has done a good job of bringing in high-quality guys here. They speak about it all the time, like we really don’t have any as$h)les here. If we have an as$h)le then me and Giannis take care of it… we’re able to get the team under control, let him know how we do things here.”

That was Khris Middleton in an interview back in 2019. Here he speaks to Bucks culture and what it means to the team to do things, “the right way”. 

Of course, the team has changed a lot since then. Now with Damian Lillard in the fold, the former Piston is not needed as the number two scoring option.

Here is Lillard a few weeks ago on Middleton:

When you come into the league as a second round pick you already are up against. You (Middleton) probably ain’t going to get an opportunity right away. So when you get moved on by the team that picks you, well, you gotta earn your stay.

But hasn’t Middleton earned his stay? As an all-star and an NBA champion, hasn’t he proven he can play?

This vicious cycle for Khris Middleton continues to haunt.. pic.twitter.com/LH6mfXgEOa

— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) July 15, 2021

Khris Middleton Bio- The Past

Middleton (6’7”) is a versatile and skilled forward known for his scoring, clutch threes, and above-average defensive abilities. He really, as Lillard mentioned, is a “diamond in the rough”.

His journey to NBA stardom began at Texas A&M, where he played college basketball for the Aggies. Middleton was drafted by the Detroit Pistons as the 39th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. However, Middleton truly flourished after being traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 as part of a deal that sent Brandon Knight to the Pistons.

In Milwaukee, Middleton’s game reached new heights. Forming a dynamic partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo, he played a pivotal role in the Bucks’ rise to prominence in the Eastern Conference. Middleton’s ability to score from beyond the arc, create his own shot, and contribute on the defensive end made him an indispensable asset for the team.

One of the defining moments of Middleton’s career occurred during the 2021 NBA Finals. Facing the Phoenix Suns, he delivered a series of clutch performances, including a 40-point masterpiece in Game 4 and a game-winning shot in Game 6. Middleton’s heroics helped the Bucks secure their first NBA championship in 50 years, and he earned recognition as a two-time NBA All-Star.

In the offseason, Khash Money Khris signed a huge contract. The deal is for three years and 93 million dollars. Wow!

Beyond individual accolades, Middleton has been a key component of Team USA, representing his country in international competitions. His dedication to the game and ability to elevate his performance in crucial moments have solidified Khris’s status as one of the premier players in the NBA, and his contributions to the Milwaukee Bucks’ success have left an indelible mark on the franchise’s history.

What’s Next?

Well, with increased minutes hopefully comes increased performance. Middleton played 30 minutes in the semi-finals of the NBA In-Season tournament and scored 20 points. He was an astounding 4-5 from three.

If he simply can evolve into a viable scoring option for this team, above where he is at now, the sky would be the limit for this offense.

Where is Khris Middleton? Well, he seems to be “back”. Can he be more than a shell of himself and that great 2021 NBA Finals run? For Bucks fans everywhere they certainly hope so. 

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