The Milwaukee Bucks roster is finally nearing full strength, with Khris Middleton working his way back into regular minutes. While his return is a huge boost to the team’s playmaking and scoring versatility, it’s also forcing some tough rotation decisions.
Straight out of recovery protocol, the smooth-shooting Middleton wasted no time showcasing his elite playmaking ability, racking up 11 assists in two games against the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. He was everything the Bucks have been missing and more, even if he continues to look a step slow compared to his prime years.
For the Bucks, these are the challenges of a deep roster in the championship hunt. Middleton’s presence elevates Milwaukee’s ceiling, but it also forces hard decisions about who fits best in Doc Rivers’ rotation.
After two games with Middleton back in action, the writing on the wall is clear: Delon Wright is the odd man out.
Khris Middleton's return means some hard decisions must be made
Immediately upon his return, Khris Middleton's chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo is as strong as ever, with the duo orchestrating smooth pick-and-rolls and consistently finding open shooters. Middleton’s return gives the Milwaukee Bucks another high-level creator, reducing the need for Wright’s limited offensive contributions.
Wright, known for his defense and versatility, has been a solid rotational piece. But he’s only averaged 15.9 minutes per game this season and has struggled to carve out a significant role offensively, posting just 1.6 assists per game. In a Bucks system already loaded with ball-handlers—Damian Lillard, Giannis, and now Middleton—Wright’s skill set has been increasingly redundant.
None of this is to say that Delon Wright hasn't been playing up to standard, of course.
Opposing guards and forwards are shooting 38.7 percent and 37.5 percent, respectively, whenever Wright is the closest defender on their field goal attempts. While his offensive production has left a bit to be desired, he's certainly doing exactly what he was signed to do. Should any other player on the roster be injured again, expect Wright to be the next man up to take on their responsibilities, considering the size and versatility he brings.
The Bucks' recent matchups underline this shift. Against the Celtics, a game that required Milwaukee’s absolute best effort, Wright was a non-factor, failing to log a single minute in the loss. The same held true in the subsequent win over the Nets. Meanwhile, Middleton operated as a secondary facilitator, allowing Lillard to play off the ball more and giving the Bucks’ offense a multi-dimensional look.
Defensively, Wright’s absence hasn’t been as glaring as one might expect. While his on-ball pressure and ability to disrupt passing lanes are valuable, the Bucks’ collective defensive scheme—with Giannis, Brook Lopez, and Andre Jackson Jr. anchoring the lineup—has been able to compensate. Given Wright's abilities and what the Bucks still lack on the court, it's still entirely possible Rivers will find a need for him every now and then, but only in controlled spurts.
To Wright’s credit, he’s a professional and adaptable player who has shown he can step up when called upon. Throughout his career, he's never been one to grumble about minutes, and it doesn't seem as though he's about to start any time soon. But as Middleton’s minutes continue to ramp up, Wright’s opportunities will likely diminish further.
At the moment, the answer is clear: Khris Middleton is here to stay, and Delon Wright is the one paying the price.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis going forward.