After offseason surgery on both ankles, the long-awaited and anticipated return of the Milwaukee Bucks starting small forward has finally come to fruition. Khris Middleton has played in three games so far during the 2024-25 NBA season. Although it's a small sample size, his return is an encouraging development, but it comes with both some promising signs as well as some areas of concern.
So far, after three games, Middleton is averaging 7.2 points and has a measly field goal percentage of 25, but he is averaging a career-high 6.3 assists. Here’s an analysis of his overall performance - good and bad - in his first three games back for the Milwaukee Bucks.
The good from Bucks' Khris Middleton
1. Playmaking ability - Middleton’s court vision and passing have been evident in his return. He has consistently created opportunities for teammates by facilitating and has helped the offense flow more smoothly. His ability to initiate pick-and-rolls and make the right reads is a critical asset.
2. Scoring in key moments - While he is still finding his rhythm, Middleton has shown flashes of his trademark mid-range scoring and ability to knock down critical shots, as evidenced by his late-game three vs. Brooklyn, which put the Bucks only down by one point. Just his presence alone provides a much-needed third-scoring option to complement Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
3. Veteran leadership - Middleton’s poise and decision-making have been palpable. In certain stretches, he has provided the calmness and structure that Milwaukee’s offense lacked during his absence, especially in late-game scenarios. It has been amazing to watch him come back from being seven months on the shelf and still see his chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo clicking as if it never left. The Bucks are +29 in the 61 minutes that they have both played together so far. Additionally, Giannis is averaging a league-best 33.8 points per 75 possessions without Middleton. With him, this number balloons to 38.1 points.
4. Defensive awareness and prowess - Though not yet at his peak, Middleton has displayed good positional defense overall and has made an impact on that side of the floor. He has shown that he can help to disrupt opposing wings and provide solid help rotations.
The bad from Bucks' Khris Middleton
1. Rust and inefficiency - After an extended absence, Middleton has yet to find his shot and get his legs under him, as expected. His shooting has been inconsistent and not sharp as of yet. He has struggled with efficiency in his first few games, particularly from beyond the arc, shooting 28.6 percent. His timing and rhythm will likely take a few more games to return fully to where it should be.
2. Limited athleticism - Middleton’s lateral quickness on defense is still limited and appears diminished. This leaves him vulnerable in isolation against quicker and more athletic players. This is most likely due to lingering recovery issues in both ankles, as well as a lack of conditioning.
3. Turnovers - While his playmaking is a strength, it’s also been a double-edged sword of sorts. Middleton has had a few costly turnovers, which often occur when he tries to force lazy, lob passes or navigate defensive pressure. His slow, deliberate ball-handling skills are still easy to navigate by opposing defenders, which can lead to steals, as evidenced against the Orlando Magic when he was pickpocketed.
4. Minutes restriction - His current playing time is limited, as he is still on a minute restriction, averaging 21 per game. This has impacted the team’s ability to rely on him in crunch moments. This restriction may also disrupt his ability to establish a consistent rhythm. Once Middleton gets his legs back, his minutes restriction will be lifted, and he will most likely be inserted into the starting lineup.
Overall Impact from Bucks' Khris Middleton
Khris Middleton’s return is clearly a positive for the Milwaukee Bucks.
Even when he is less than 100 percent healthy, his skills fill crucial gaps. His presence takes some pressure off Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. What really stands out is his leadership in organizing and running the offense, specifically his playmaking when it comes to Giannis. His facilitating and ability to set up Giannis still makes their two-man game elite.
After three games, Khris Middleton has not been the liability on defense that some fans might have expected. This is most likely due to the fact that he has bought into Doc Rivers' system and knows his role defensively.
Middleton appears to be playing smart so far and not forcing his shot attempts. He is not hijacking the flow of the offense at all and can and will still take some clutch shots down the stretch moving forward. However, the Bucks will need to be patient as he regains his conditioning and confidence. In the short term, his minutes management and rust are challenges, but in the long term, a fully integrated Middleton could significantly elevate the Milwaukee Bucks’ ceiling.
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