Khris Middleton was one of the biggest reasons why the Milwaukee Bucks where able to enter this year’s post-season. Even though the Bucks lost their second overall pick Jabari Parker to a season ending injury, Khris Middleton stepped up and played one of the most vital roles for this team.
During his “Khris Middleton Skills Academy” in Charleston, Middleton said he “definitely” wants to stay in Milwaukee.
“We have a lot of great pieces with the Bucks,”
Middleton told Gene Sapakoff of the Post and Courier.
“If we can stay together, we can do something special. Last year we had a terrible year, this year we came back with a new coaching staff and they put in a lot of work with us. (Kidd) taught us how to work and taught us how to win. It was good to have him.”
After being drafted 39th overall in 2012, Middleton has worked his way from a mediocre rookie with the Detroit Pistons into an emerging two-way contributor for Milwaukee. Middleton potentially could get offers ranging in the $12-$15 million range annually from other teams looking to take advantage of his budding skill-set one league source told Sean Deveney of Sporting News, and I really there should be “no circumstances” in which Milwaukee lets him walk in free agency. Middleton is a restricted free agent, which means the Bucks can match any contract offer he receives (within three days) and retain his services; he is a gamble worth taking.
Middleton’s main asset is his three-point shooting as his percentage stands at an impressive 40.7%. But what many might overlook in his game is his defense. Bleacher Report’s Michael Pina discusses why Middleton is an excellent defensive wing.
“On defense, Middleton is the ideal contemporary player. He’s long, he’s quick, and he can guard three or four positions. Bucks head coach Jason Kidd has taken advantage, unleashing Middleton in a switch-happy system that utilizes all he brings to the table,”
Jason Kidd is truly building something special with the Milwuakee Bucks, and looking at their team on paper, they had no business being a playoff team last year. Kidd has preached fundamentals since taking over the job, and Middleton benefited in a big way from it. Middleton is just 23 years old as well, which is a scary thought for opponents as he continues to progress and improve.
