There's no denying it: the night of Wednesday, October 23, at Fiserv Forum is going to hit different. This isn't just another average regular-season opener; it's a full-circle moment that cuts deeper than most fans realize. That's because the Milwaukee Bucks are hosting a franchise icon in Khris Middleton at the top of an 82-game schedule when they play the Washington Wizards.
"The most important thing [is that] he should get the warmest welcome ever," Antetokounmpo was quoted as telling reporters in a media briefing, per Johnny Askounis of Eurohoops.
The Greek Freak was responding to a question about Middleton, the Robin to his Batman over the last 12 years, including the championship run of the 2020-21 season. "When he comes here and he sees his tribute video, he should be in tears crying before the game," he said.
Khris Middleton's return to Milwaukee will be a bittersweet reunion
That's not standard player talk against another opposing team coming to town. That's genuine emotion from someone who built a championship legacy with Middleton and watched it end through organizational decisions neither of them controlled.
"I cannot explain how much Khris means to this team. I cannot explain how much Khris means to me," added the 30-year-old point forward. "I've had the opportunity to play against him once in the USA team and once last year. It's fun. That's my guy. That's my brother for life. We've done incredible things together. So, I cannot wait to see him tear up on Wednesday."
Twelve years together. That's longer than most marriages last in professional sports. Giannis and Khris grew up together in this league, from playoff disappointments to that magical 2021 title run. They figured out how to win together when nobody believed they could.
Head coach Doc Rivers also a similar response as he sang Middleton's praises despite just coaching him for a brief period.
"The fan reaction should be amazing. I've put some pressure on our video crew...It should all be amazing because he's a Buck for life, no matter where he's at. Pat Connaughton is a Buck for life. Brook Lopez. So we lost three of those guys from last year, and Khris will be the first one coming back," Rivers said in a media availability.
"We traded him. He won a title for us. And he's a Buck. He's part of this community, and I think that's what people forget the most. As good as he was on the court, I thought he was a superstar off the court."
Rivers gets it. His answer nailed exactly why Milwaukee is different from most NBA cities: the fans don't forget.
Middleton didn't leave Milwaukee. The Bucks organization moved on from him when it felt it had to do so. (Never mind that the player they got in return for him could likely be on his way out too by season's end.) But that distinction matters. Fans aren't going to hold organizational roster decisions against someone who gave them everything, including a championship.
Wednesday night is going to be emotional for everyone involved. Giannis will see his best man at his former running mate on the opposite team's bench. Middleton will hear 17,000 fans remind him he's still loved. Milwaukee will get another step towards closure on an era that ended too soon but gave us memories that'll last forever.
Some homecomings are just basketball games. This one's family business.