Many Milwaukee Bucks fans will not forget how significant Khris Middleton was to their 2021 championship. His excellent shooting and solid defense were key elements in the team winning the 2021 NBA title over a Phoenix Suns team led by an inspired Devin Boooker.
However, since he won his first ring, things have changed drastically. Injuries hampered his performances over the years. While he is still an effective scorer whenever he is on the court, it is not surprising that his prime as a starting player for the Bucks is already behind him.
There’s been a lot of talk about his departure elsewhere as the Bucks try to build a team that can handle Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. While some believe he will soon retire with the Golden State Warriors, one analyst says the Bucks should consider keeping him with the team for one reason.
The analyst says Khris Middleton is a perfect fit for the Milwaukee Bucks due to his high efficiency
Cody Smith from Sports Illustrated wrote a detailed article explaining why Middleton should remain with the Bucks for the foreseeable future. He explained that his skill set perfectly complements Antetokounmpo and Lillard. He also mentioned that Middleton’s clutch gene cannot be immediately expected from the third star of any trio.
However, the most convincing argument is Middleton’s effectiveness:
For six seasons beginning in 2017, Middleton was the Bucks’ second scoring option after Giannis. Middleton Usage Rate at 24.6-27.4 percent – the percentage of offensive plays resulting in a shot, free throw or turnover by Middleton – reflected his place in the hierarchy.
Enter Lillard in 2023-24, and Middleton became the third overall pick. Even though he took three fewer shots per night than in his All-Star seasons, he remained a reliable contributor: 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists, with an effective field goal percentage of nearly 57 percent.
It will be nearly impossible for the Bucks to find a player who can perform at this level when they are relegated to such a role. While injury risk remains for Khris Middleton, the value he brings to Milwaukee is so great that it would make no sense to let him go if everything falls into place for the upcoming campaign.
More Wisconsin sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @mcquadewarnoldfollow us @WiSportsHeroics. You can also contact McQuade Arnold by email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date with news from ALL Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers. Go pack. On Wisconsin. Be afraid of the deer. This is my crew.
