The Milwaukee Bucks are currently one of the hottest teams in the league and one of the few teams in the East to keep pace with the Toronto Raptors. One of the most important reasons is Khris Middleton. The Swingman is playing better than ever in his seventh NBA season – and his good performances could even curiously become a problem for the franchise.
Anyone who thinks of the Milwaukee Bucks automatically has a picture of Giannis Antetokounmpo in front of their eyes. Rightly so, considering that the Greek Freak is considered a hot contender for the MVP trophy. The good start (10-3) of the team from Wisconsin, however, only due to the performances of Antetokounmpo would be a big mistake.
In order to be successful, every superstar needs at least two or three assistants at the highest level at his side. In the Bucks, Giannis is getting this help this season from many players, not least the new coach Mike Budenholzer – but also in almost uncanny consistency from Khris Middleton.
There aren’t many players who would be better described with the word “solid” than Middleton. Hardly any player brings his performances at both ends of the field in a comparable consistency and quality, without making any demands or ever being put in the foreground. So it’s hard to believe that the future of the franchise could depend on Middleton.
But first a look back to April: The Bucks lose in seven games against the Celtics and have to cancel the sails already after the first playoff round. Middleton scores an average of 24.7 points, hitting an incredible 61 percent of his threesome (35.9 percent in the 2017/18 regular season). Despite being eliminated, a warning shot was fired at the competition – which later degenerated into a real firework display.
Because at the latest since the introduction of Budenholzer and the commitments of Brook Lopez, Ersan Ilyasova and Donte DiVicenzo, the playing style of the Milwaukee Bucks has changed by 180 degrees.
From an iso team that had mainly relied on the final strength of the basket in recent years and was a foreign word for spacing, the team has become the one that takes the most three in the whole league after Houston (40.5 per game). Budenholzer’s new system has dissolved the statics in the bucks’ semi-field as if in the air and instead brings ball movement and more efficient throw selection.
This is especially beneficial for Middleton, who was already one of the better shooters in the Bucks’ squad in the past. “Middleton praises the new system: “I don’t have to work out the points myself: “We just play in the rhythm of the offensive and then everything works on its own.” This season he will try his hand at 7.5 threes per game, of which he will sink a strong 46.4 percent. Overall, Middleton contributes a strong 19 points per game.
It is particularly remarkable that the average values are not falsified by two or three explosive games, but are actually achieved in almost every game. For example, Middleton has transformed at least two threesomes in each of the 13 games and has always scored in two digits.
And even if he has an evening when the litter doesn’t want to fall as usual, he still impresses with other abilities. The best example was the performance in the 134:111 victory against the Golden State Warriors. Middleton didn’t really find his throw during the whole season (6-16 FG, 2-9 3FG), but with his 29 minutes he stood on the floor as long as no other Bucks player.
This was partly due to his ability to bring the necessary spacing in the offensive on a less good evening, but also to his strong defensive. It certainly takes a bit of luck against the Warriors, but it was no coincidence that the reigning champion gnawed his teeth at Middleton and Co. (35.7 percent triple quota).
Despite the weak throwing odds, Middleton ended the game with a +33 plus/minus rating and collected the most assists (6) and steals (3) from his team. It’s the all-round package that makes it so important for Coach Budenholzer.
So Bucks fans have every reason to cheer at the moment. Finally, the team played a respectable and largely successful basketball and after the victory over the Warriors even quiet hopes for a final participation were raised. The undertaking does not seem completely hopeless in view of the new strength, but especially after the Sixers trade for Jimmy Butler the race has not become more relaxed.
If you look at the current contracts of the squad, the Bucks are almost in a win-win situation this season. Although the upcoming Free Agency around Butler, Irving, Leonard and Co. offers some superstar potential, the contract of Middleton could become one of the biggest stories in the summer and play a central role for the future of the franchise.
Middleton has a $13 million player option for the 2019/20 season, which he is unlikely to take advantage of. Given the high demand for Three-and-D players, some teams might be willing to offer a lot of money. Since Milwaukee isn’t exactly the desired destination of all big free agents either, the biggest task for the front office of the Bucks might be to convince Middleton to stay.
Should this not succeed, it would mean a significant qualitative setback, especially as the contracts of Eric Bledsoe and Brook Lopez expire. The biggest question of the future will be how long Antetokounmpo would like to carry the Bucks team on his shoulders without a reasonable supporting cast.
If Middleton continues to play like this, the franchise cannot afford to sell him off. At the same time this summer half of the league has cap space and everywhere there is a need for system-compatible 3 and D players who can create their own throw if necessary. You don’t have to fantasize much to know what it all comes down to: A maximum contract.
Maybe then, at least for a moment, Middleton will be in the spotlight. His current achievements would already justify this.