2. Khris Middleton
I know. This one hurts.
Khris Middleton has spent the last 11 seasons with the Milwaukee Bucks and was a key cog in their 2020l1 championship. Middleton has played the third-most Bucks games in franchise history, ranks first in made 3-pointers with the Bucks, and ranks third in total points, behind only Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Middleton has been really good. So good that he's made three All-Star teams, despite being second in the pecking order behind Giannis.
To that point, he's been the perfect co-star for the Greek Freak. But don't take my word for it, take it from Giannis directly.
"I’m happy for him because I’ve been by his side for 11 years and for many more years to come,” Giannis said. “It’s something that’s going to connect us for the rest of our lives. When we’re done playing, we can both see our names up there and remember the journey that we had together.
It’s incredible,” Giannis added. “It’s incredible. From where we started and where we are right now, it’s been a great journey. I’ve been with this guy for 11 years, I don’t think anybody expected (us) to be in this position that we are today."
Giannis loves Khris Middleton. Even in 2023-24, which hasn't been Middleton's best season, he's earned endless praise from Antetokounmpo.
"At the end of the day, he's a professional. He knows what it takes to win. He knows his role. There's going to be times down the stretch where he has to score the ball for us. And he knows that. He stays ready for that.
"Throughout this whole season, he's been playing his role perfectly. You could not ask for more."
All of that sounds good and well, but the Bucks could stand to upgrade at the wing position, especially considering the $31 million he's due next season. The Bucks could bring in a significant piece with that salary fodder and Middleton has unfortunately reached a point in which he's not been able to stay healthy.