Khris Middleton's return isn't fixing Bucks' biggest problem (it might make it worse)

It's supposed to be the cure for what ailed them. Khris Middleton, the steady hand, the mid-range maestro, the championship closer, the only bright spot against yesteryear's Indiana Pacers—is going to solve the Milwaukee Bucks' problems once he's finally back on the court. This is the usual narrative fans are leaning on in the wake of the team's 1-4 start.

He is, after all, the team's second to third-best player, so Bucks fans have every reason to think that his return would spark the team out of their sluggish start to the 2024-25 season.

Instead, Milwaukee sits at the 14th seed in the Eastern Conference, with their early season sputters leaving even the most optimistic fans in doubt of the team's championship aspirations going forward.

And with the team's deep-seated and longstanding problems exposing themselves more and more, one thing is also becoming increasingly clear: Middleton is not solving these issues at all once he's back; he's only making them worse. And it's time for the coaching staff to recognize that.

This version of Khris Middleton isn't the difference-maker the Bucks need

Let’s get one thing out of the way: Khris Middleton is a core part of the Milwaukee Bucks’ championship DNA. The smooth-shooting swingman has hit some of the biggest shots in the franchise’s history and provides an indispensable calm, veteran presence on the floor.

The Bucks’ 1-4 start has exposed more than just rust or early-season missteps; it’s shown a deeper problem that’s been looming since the end of last season: age and a searing lack of athleticism. It's a reality that feels draining no matter how you look at it: Milwaukee’s core pieces—Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and yes, Middleton—are still All-Star-caliber talents, but the supporting cast and overall team dynamic feel a step behind the league’s younger, more explosive contenders.

Let's talk numbers. The desperate need for younger legs inevitably translates to a lack of energy and activity, and the Bucks, as it stands, are tied for 20th in the league in opponent fastbreak points per game. Their 16.4 transition points given up per contest are evidence of the reality Bucks fans have known for quite some time: they're getting old and slow.

The team's average age right now is 27.8, making them the seventh-oldest team in the association. It's clear they're not a fan of running on either end of the floor - their 18.27-mile average distance traveled per game is the eighth-worst in the league. Their 18th-ranked 19.4 opponent points off turnover is proof of this, too.

As a result, they're also giving up 116.3 points per 100 possessions, a defensive rating that's good for 24th in the association.

The stats aren't that much better on the offensive side of the ball, where Milwaukee is sitting on a paltry 38th percentile on scoring off transition plays, according to NBA.com/stats. In lieu of running, they'd rather play it slow and post up in the paint. They average 9.8 of those per game, good for second in the league behind the Denver Nuggets.

When Khris Middleton returns, he’ll bring what he always does: reliable mid-range scoring, steady 3-point shooting and playmaking that can stabilize Milwaukee’s offense. He'll probably take up some of those post-ups himself, to admittedly better results.

But here’s the catch—Middleton, now 33, isn’t going to outrun anyone on defense (or for that matter, offense, too). If anything, his presence will double down on what’s already Milwaukee’s Achilles’ heel: a lack of speed, energy and defensive versatility.

To put the numbers into perspective, Middleton's average speed of 4.16 a season ago was worse than players like Jae Crowder and Bobby Portis. The leaders in that stat? Andre Jackson, Chris Livingston, and MarJon Beauchamp, who just got his fourth-year rookie option rejected by the team.

Last season, Middleton’s defensive numbers were already slipping. His 6-foot-7 frame allowed him to absorb the usual physicality expected of NBA players, but he often found himself targeted by quicker guards and wings. While his offensive skill set is invaluable, the Bucks’ current issues aren’t about scoring—they’re about stopping their opponents from doing it better.

Milwaukee's age and athleticism (or lack thereof) are their main problems

Take a look at the Bucks’ rotation as it currently stands. Brook Lopez, at 36, is still blocking shots at an elite rate but has always struggled to keep up in transition. So, too, are Bobby Portis and Pat Connaughton, who continue to play role-player minutes and cannot keep their men in front of them in any meaningful ways that translate to winning basketball.

None of this is to say that athleticism and youth are everything, but at the same time, the NBA today has evolved into a league where speed and versatility are paramount. Teams that can switch everything on defense, push the pace on offense, and rotate seamlessly without missing a beat have the edge. The Milwaukee Bucks, on the other hand, look like they’re playing on half a tank of gas.

Amid a worrying 1-4 start to the 2024-25 season, there’s a harsh reality Bucks fans need to face—Khris Middleton’s return isn’t solving Milwaukee’s biggest issue. In fact, it could even amplify it.

Make no mistake, Khris Middleton is still crucial for the Bucks’ championship aspirations. His calm demeanor, playoff experience, and scoring touch will always have value. But for Milwaukee to shake off this rocky start and become true title contenders, they need more than what Middleton alone can provide.

They need youth. They need speed. They need to reimagine what their rotations and playing style look like in 2024.

Middleton’s return will be celebrated, and rightly so, but Bucks fans should temper their expectations. Given what he brings to the court, he is simply not a cure-all for what’s ailing Milwaukee at this point in time. If anything, his return could highlight the Milwaukee Bucks’ biggest challenge even more—a team that looks built for 2019 but is fighting to keep up in 2024.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.