Ranking 2021-22 Milwaukee Bucks starters: No. 2 – Khris Middleton
Much like the aforementioned Lopez, Khris Middleton has received his fair share of criticism in a Bucks uniform. After years of being called an unfit second option on a championship-winning team, the forward finally selected his doubters with a fantastic playoff run to win it all. Middleton also struggled with consistency, but he came up big down the stretch for the Bucks on multiple occasions during the postseason, hitting numerous clutch buckets to keep the team alive before winning the title.
With that massive weight lifted off his back regarding his status as a true second option, he seems destined for another big season. He is among the best second options in the modern NBA, and one would be foolish to debate that after watching him over the past few months. Time will tell if he can keep things consistent during the 2021-22 season, but make no bones about it, Middleton is the second-best player on this Bucks team.
Ranking 2021-22 Milwaukee Bucks starters: No. 1 – Giannis Antetokounmpo
There is not a player on the Bucks – or potentially in the entire NBA – that is currently better than Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Greek Freak cemented his status amongst the elites in the playoffs, where he delivered a stretch for the ages. Not even a nagging hyperextended knee could keep the 26-year-old down as he was determined to bring the Bucks their first title in 50 seasons. He did just that by scoring an astounding 50 points in a series-clinching Game 6 of the NBA Finals, which was certainly fitting. With that Finals MVP in his possession, Antetokounmpo is alone at the top of the mountain right now.
Time will tell if someone else can overthrow him next season, but Antetokounmpo should have some newfound confidence after the year he just had. With a championship under his belt, he has finally tasted victory, and Antetokounmpo undeniably wants to do so again. This team will go as he goes, and there is no limit on just how far Antetokounmpo can take this franchise. Some forget that Antetokounmpo is still just 26-years-old, which could mean his best days are still ahead.
That is a scary thought for the rest of the league.