Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton 2017-18 season preview
By Ben Sewell
How does Middleton fit in?
Middleton is a multi-faceted player and has such a huge role to play this season. His scoring alone should be a huge plus to the Bucks. In the 2015-16 season, Middleton averaged over 18 points per game while continuing to shoot at an efficient rate. Given his most recent season was ravaged by injury, one could reasonably expect Middleton return to this kind of form next season.
Given the loss of Jabari Parker for a large chunk of this season and the departure of Michael Beasley in free agency, there is a sizeable void in the point scoring department in Milwaukee. As such, Middleton’s expected return to scoring form becomes even more valuable as the Bucks’ organization attempts to find Giannis Antetokounmpo some desperately needed assistance.
As a genuine elite three-point shooter, Middleton’s importance grows. As a common theme in these season previews, this team is genuinely short of threats from deep. Mirza Teletovic and Matthew Dellavedova were both brought in via free agency last season to rectify that issue and unfortunately, both under performed.
Unexpectedly, Parker found a three point touch to begin last season, but of course, he won’t be taking to the floor until late this season, if at all. As a result, Middleton’s three-point shooting has become hugely important as a means to complement the drive-and-kick game of Antetokounmpo.
Middleton’s length and defense also allow him to slot perfectly into Milwaukee’s position-less defensive system. At 6’8” with a 6’11” wingspan, Middleton is able to rotate through all wing positions on defense. For the system that Jason Kidd runs, this is hugely important for Milwaukee to succeed this season.
Lastly, Middleton’s leadership to guys in the young core of this group is so important heading forward. Sterling Brown was asked on media day about Middleton’s leadership, to which he replied.
"“Khris has been helping me out since day one. Giving me pointers, advice, and stuff I should look at, stuff I should do. Tony [Snell], as well. Definitely looking up, I’ve got two great guys ahead of me, and I look forward to learning as much as I can from them and implementing all of that into my game.”"