Milwaukee Bucks: 3 Things to watch in Khris Middleton’s return
What to watch for in Khris Middleton’s return to the Milwaukee Bucks: How will the defense look?
As previously mentioned, Khris Middleton has been getting in some practices with the Wisconsin Herd, so it is possible that Khris is ready to resume nearly his full workload. However, there is no substitute for real game action. Friday night’s matchup also presents a uniquely difficult starting small forward assignment in LeBron James. Middleton would likely be the first defender on James should he be inserted in the starting lineup.
The Milwaukee Bucks currently have the NBA’s best team defensive rating at 106.5. Last season Khris Middleton held an individual defensive rating of 109.6, a decent defensive rating for a player known for his offense.
Khris Middleton is the second longest tenured Milwaukee Buck after only Giannis Antetokounmpo, the next two on the list are Pat Connaughton and Brook Lopez. Khris has plenty of experience in the Mike Budenholzer system defensively funneling opposing players towards Lopez who is currently leading the NBA in blocks.
Given his solid defense, length and experience with the system and the players around him, the Milwaukee Bucks should continue being strong defensively, whether Middleton comes off the bench or starts.
Next. 3 Takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks ugly win vs New York Knicks. dark
Regardless of how Middleton’s first game back from injury shakes out, we can all agree that we will be happy to see him back on the court. Stay tuned for takeaways following tonight’s game.