Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton 2017-18 season preview

What does Middleton offer?

Middleton finished last season averaging 14.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.4 assists per game. Although clearly hampered by the hamstring tear which had kept him out of the first half of the season, Middleton’s production was of great importance to Milwaukee last season. He shot 43.3 percent from three and provided another genuine threat from deep for Milwaukee to utilize.

Middleton’s excellent defense was credited by most of the team as the true catalyst to Milwaukee’s late run towards the playoffs. During their first round series against Toronto, Middleton finished second in defensive win shares, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo.

Middleton’s ability to read a play and react accordingly was incredibly valuable to this young Bucks team and will continue to be so heading into the future.

Middleton also led the side in free throw percentage last season, hitting 88 percent on 3.2 attempts per game. So often, Middleton was the go-to man in tight games to knock down the crucial free throws. As a career 87.4 percent free throw shooter, this was clearly no fluke and as such, he will be relied upon in this coming season again.

Lastly and maybe most importantly, Middleton’s leadership on a young team like the Bucks cannot be overstated. John Henson stands alone as the only player to have been in Milwaukee longer, and Middleton, now entering his fifth season for the Bucks, is a player who most of the roster can look to for guidance.