Milwaukee Bucks: Khris Middleton back in All-Star form

Since returning from injury, Khris Middleton has been outstanding for the Milwaukee Bucks, making a strong case to receive his second All-Star nod.

Following his first season as an All-Star last season, Khris Middleton was set to test the free agency market in the offseason. It seemed ideal that he would remain with the Milwaukee Bucks; the only question was the contract situation.

The two sides eventually agreed on a five-year $178 million contract to lock up the forward long term. The move was greeted with some skepticism around the league at first, but Middleton has silenced critics as of late with his stellar play.

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Missing seven total games this season due to injury, Middleton is averaging 18.6 points per game on 50 percent from the field and 41.3 percent from three-point territory, to go along with 5.4 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game. His 50 percent from the field is by far the best mark of his career and has been a massive contribution to the Bucks’ league-leading mark in that category.

There was some struggle early in the season with Middleton’s inconsistent offense but he has shown out lately, having scored 20 or more points in his last four consecutive games.

Middleton’s offensive numbers have increased significantly compared to his All-Star debut last year. His field goal percentage has risen from 41 percent to 50 percent, his three-point percentage from 37.8 percent to 41.3 percent, his free-throw percentage from 83.7 percent to 89.5 percent, and his points per game from 18.3 to 18.6 per contest. Though it is still early, the improvement shows promise for Middleton as, in spite of injury and a reputation as a slow starter, he has found his rhythm early this season.

At 24-3, the Milwaukee Bucks are firing on all cylinders and are clearly the juggernaut of the Eastern Conference. However, shortly after getting Middleton back in the lineup, the team will once again face adversity with the loss of another starter, Eric Bledsoe, who suffered a right fibula avulsion fracture.

With Bledsoe out, the Bucks will need to rely more on Middleton to continue producing extensively on both ends of the floor next to Giannis Antetokounmpo. The 28-year-old has proven he is a significant threat on the offensive end, showing his deadly scoring ability from anywhere on the floor. During the new two weeks, expect Middleton to step up immensely and increase those season averages as the Bucks look to continue their winning streak.

Particularly important will be his playmaking as Bledsoe’s injury leaves the Bucks very short at the point guard spot. If Middleton can step up his assist tallies over that spell, and help to create offense efficiently, the Bucks’ chances of rallying through Bledsoe’s absence will improve further.

With their biggest test of the season thus far coming up against the dynamic Los Angeles Lakers on December 19, the Bucks are looking to send a statement in the week ahead. As both teams currently stand at 24-3, this will be the battle of the league’s top two teams. The Bucks will need strong contributions from everyone, but their top two stars especially. Due to all the hype surrounding this game, it will be the perfect opportunity for not only the Bucks to prove what they are capable of, but for Middleton to do so as well.

At the moment, Middleton is playing at an All-Star level, proving he was worth the lucrative contract he received in the offseason. With their recent run of success this season, the Milwaukee Bucks will need him to continue to build on that momentum and perform at the highest level possible. The Bledsoe injury provides another difficult test, but also another opportunity to showcase what Middleton and the Bucks are capable of delivering.