Khris Middleton had the option to leave the team this offseason and chase a championship in another city. Instead, he found reasons to stay in Milwaukee and continue the push to win a ring. In his own words, Middleton announced via ESPN why he plans to return to the Bucks.
“It wasn’t so long ago that we were a 15-win team (2013-14),” Middleton says in the article, which was told to ESPN’s Malika Andrews. When you dream of playing in the NBA, those aren’t the seasons you fantasize about. I was 22 years old and it was tough.” For additional context, Middleton was a second round draft pick in 2012. That 2013-14 Bucks team, while young, was the third-worst offensive team in the league and sixth-worst defensive team.
“It means a little more to me to work to win a championship with this group in this city because I was there for those darker days,” Middleton continues. “Giannis [Antetokounmpo] and I have been through it all together. We have been at the very bottom and close to the top. When you rebuild a franchise brick by brick like that, it means a little bit more because you have literally put your blood, sweat and tears into improving. We have been called the worst team. I have been called the worst player in the league.”
I want to win a championship for this city. I’ve already gotten back in the gym this summer and am determined to make next season special. This team is on a mission to win it all.
Retaining Khris Middleton is certainly a good first step for the Bucks, though more decisions still remain. Malcolm Brogdon, Nikola Mirotic, and George Hill are expected to be out on the market and command serious offers in free agency. Still, the important move is keeping Middleton and Milwaukee managed that.
