The Return of Khris Middleton! Perfect Timing for the Milwaukee Bucks
The Return of Khris Middleton! Perfect Timing for the Milwaukee Bucks
Following a prolonged absence that felt like an infinite stretch for Milwaukee Bucks' supporters, the arrival of Khris Middleton could not have been more timely.
The Bucks' early-season struggles—starting 2-8 and then miraculously climbing back to 12-11—shone a spotlight on the void this squad felt without its third deadly weapon. And although the first two games back didn't go flawlessly, they served as a stark reminder of Middleton's value.
The Adhesive Milwaukee Demands
Middleton isn't just a luxury to this team; he's the adhesive that connects the roster's ambitious aspirations.
At 6-foot-8 with a sharp basketball understanding, Middleton fills numerous needs. Defensively, he may not chokehold opponents, but his size and length hinder passing lanes and provide Milwaukee with a counter against the wing-dominated titans in the East—particularly Boston. Placing Middleton on the court narrows the court's geometry for enemy offenses.
Offensively, he's a silky, multifaceted scorer who can act as a relief valve when defenses smother Damian Lillard or Giannis Antetokounmpo.
He exudes confidence at all three court levels. Whether it's challenging a smaller player in the post, navigating the mid-range following a screen, or isolating at the three-point line, he brings the three-level scoring presence that the Bucks lack in his absence.
It won't be nothing but smiles and laughter initially.
He'll shake off some rust. He made some plays in his first two comeback games. He coolly swished a pull-up three in a nail-biting game against the Nets. He even drilled a four-point play after being fouled while shooting a three-pointer against the Celtics. It was the type of play that almost led to his injury when a defender slipped underneath him on a jump shot last season.
However, he only converted five of his first 18 attempts (27.8%). The rust is present, as he's playing his first games since the Bucks bowed out in the first round of the playoffs eight months ago.
The Long and Challenging Journey Ahead
It won't be an immediate straight ascent to All-Star form. The minutes limit (apparently close to 20 minutes per game) is a necessary precaution after offseason surgery on both ankles.
Middleton will need time to rediscover his timing and rhythm, especially in high-stakes situations. The Bucks, under Doc Rivers' patient gaze, seem devoted to the long game, as they should be.
The version of Middleton they require isn't the one missing with sub-30% shots right now; it's the one who will strike dagger three-pointers and produce clutch plays in April, May, and—if all goes as planned—June.
The Big Three
What makes Middleton's return most intriguing is the potential harmony with Lillard and Antetokounmpo. Giannis and Dame have been honing their two-man show, melding Giannis's relentless downhill play with Lillard's pick-and-roll wizardry. Adding Middleton as a third star could take this offense to unstoppable heights.
Unlike certain stars who demand the ball to thrive, Middleton flourishes in the gaps. He can spot up, isolate, or operate as a secondary playmaker, effortlessly fitting into the spaces Lillard and Antetokounmpo create.
The key is time—time to form bonds, time to experiment, and, most importantly, time to remain healthy. Rivers faces the challenge of crafting a lineup that maximizes all three stars without trampling on each other's territory.
Middleton's return marks the commencement of a pivotal chapter in the Bucks' season. His presence alone boosts Milwaukee's floor, but it's his potential to elevate their ceiling that makes this so exhilarating.
With the Eastern Conference as formidable as ever, the Bucks will require every ounce of Middleton's shot creation, defensive length, and big-game spirit.
The route to another championship won't be a walk in the park, and Middleton's reintegration will take time. But the early signs are positive, and for a team with lofty expectations, that's all you can ask for two games into his return.
The Bucks' season may have gotten off to a rocky start, but with Middleton back in the game, the pieces are finally falling into place.
The Bucks' improved record from 2-8 to 12-11 during Middleton's absence highlighted the team's need for his offensive versatility and defensive prowess. Despite some initial rust, Middleton's return to the Milwaukee Bucks, known as the 'Big Three', brings a three-level scoring presence and defensive pressure, essential for their title push in the formidable Eastern Conference.