The latest disrespect of the Milwaukee Bucks has targeted Khris Middleton

The Milwaukee Bucks have long been a powerhouse in the NBA, but the latest disrespect directed at star forward Khris Middleton has left fans and analysts alike scratching their heads.

Recently, ESPN released its list of the top 100 players for the upcoming season, and Middleton found himself ranked a baffling 63rd after being at the 46th spot just a season ago.

"Injuries have continued to limit Middleton's production during the regular season and contributed to his slide down these rankings. He has appeared in just 88 games over the past two seasons while rehabbing injuries. Middleton enters this season coming off surgeries on both of his ankles, minor cleanups according to the team but additional health concerns for the 33-year-old forward entering his 12th season," the ESPN writeup reads.

Middleton, a one-time NBA champion and three-time All-Star, has consistently proven his worth on the basketball court. His ability to score, facilitate and defend at a high level makes him one of the most versatile players in the league.

There's no way around it: Middleton is a star in this league and has been for quite a while. Yet, ESPN's rankings suggest otherwise, placing him below emerging stars and high-level role players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Alex Caruso, RJ Barrett, and even the young Dereck Lively II.

Considering the resume and reputation Middleton has built up over the years, this ranking not only undermines the smooth-shooting swingman's contributions but also raises questions about the criteria used to evaluate players in today's game within the mainstream media.

The league has forgotten how good Khris Middleton really is

Khris Middleton is not just any player; he is a three-time NBA All-Star and a crucial part of the Bucks' championship-winning roster in 2021. In the 2023-24 season, Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game, all while seamlessly transitioning to his role as a third-option on a contending team.

Middleton's numbers clearly demonstrate his value as a two-way player who can score, rebound and facilitate for his teammates effectively. In contrast, Caldwell-Pope and Caruso have not only lower scoring averages but also less impact on their teams' overall performance.

The Bucks' success at this point hinges on Middleton's ability to perform under pressure, particularly in playoff scenarios, where he has consistently stepped up alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo. His clutch shooting and defensive prowess make him an invaluable asset to Milwaukee's title aspirations. After all, there is a reason he led the NBA with 15 tying or go-ahead shots in the 2021 playoffs, matching a record previously set by none other than LeBron James.

To be fair, it's tough to argue that Middleton's injury history isn't a factor. Just a few days after the ESPN ranking came out, it was announced that Middleton is expected to miss the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.

His recent recovery struggles have undoubtedly affected public perception; however, ESPN insiders seemed to focus squarely on Middleton's injury situation more than anything else. But Middleton's return to form last season showcased his resilience and skill level and should not be overlooked when considering rankings.

A player who put up 24.7 points and 9.2 rebounds on 48 percent shooting as a first-to-second scoring option through six playoff games simply has no business being ranked lower than players who have not reached those heights.

This oversight is particularly baffling when considering Middleton's impact on the Bucks' title run. His ability to create his own shot and knock down threes has been instrumental in opening up driving lanes for Giannis Antetokounmpo and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. Middleton's defensive versatility has also been a key factor in the Milwaukee Bucks' success, as he can guard multiple positions and disrupt opposing offenses.

Latest disrespect of a Milwaukee Buck likely won't be the last

This latest snub joins a growing list of disrespect shown towards the Bucks, raising questions about the legitimacy of these rankings.

Just a few short weeks ago, the NBA released its annual 2024-25 NBA GM Survey, which asked front-office executives across the league a set of 50 questions, including who they felt the best international player in the NBA was.

In the final tally, 87 percent of general managers voted for the reigning MVP in Serbian big man Nikola Jokic, Slovenian Luka Doncic and rookie Frenchman Victor Wembanyama - completely forgetting about the two-time MVP in Giannis Antetokounmpo.

In a league that values championships and playoff performances, it’s perplexing that a player with Middleton’s accolades could be so disrespected on a national platform like ESPN.

The Milwaukee Bucks deserve better recognition for their contributions to the league, and Khris Middleton's ranking is a glaring oversight that fans should rally against. As the Bucks gear up for another season with championship aspirations, it’s clear that Middleton will continue to be a pivotal figure in their quest for glory—one deserving of far more respect than he has received in these rankings.

Let’s not forget: Khris Middleton is not just another name on a list; he’s a vital part of what makes the Milwaukee Bucks contenders year after year.

Perhaps Bobby Portis said it best: "Khris Middleton, K-Midd, Khash Money, whatever you want to call him, he nice to me, man. He's going to be ready to go and ready to roll. Let's see how they feel about him after the season. He's going to do his thing like he always do. He had 40 points twice in the playoffs. They forgot, right? Sometimes they forget."