Khris Middleton must be one of the most underrated players in NBA history. He’s efficient, he does a little bit of everything and he’s worked his heart off to be where he is.
Truth to be told, even though the Milwaukee Bucks are clearly Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team, they wouldn’t be in the position they’re right now without Middleton’s contribution.
Middleton literally went from the G-League to an All-Star, yet people don’t seem to give him the credit he deserves after an outstanding season.
Middleton is currently averaging 21.1 points, 6.3 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.0 steals, and 2.4 three-pointers per game on 50.8%, 43.8% from three, and 90.7% from the line this season.
Moreover, he’s averaging 25.1 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 4.8 dimes per game on 56/52/91 shooting over his last 19 games.
Middleton is now on pace to become only the 5th player to average 20+ points per game on 50/40/90 shooting splits in the history of the league.
Only Larry Bird (1986-87, 1987-88), Dirk Nowitzki (2006-07), Kevin Durant (2012-13), and Stephen Curry (2015-16) managed to put up those kinds of numbers:
Larry Bird (1986-87) – 28.1 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 7.6 APG 52/40/91
Larry Bird (1987-88) – 29.9 PPG, 9.3 RPG, 6.1 APG 52/41/91
Dirk Nowitzki (2006-07) – 24.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 3.4 APG 50/41/90
Kevin Durant (2012-13) – 28.1 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 4.6 APG 51/41/90
Stephen Curry (2015-16) – 30.1 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 6.7 APG 50/45/90
All of those aforementioned players are not only former NBA Champions, but also MVPs. Yet, nobody seems to be talking about Middleton’s year.
Obviously, we’re aware of the fact that putting him on the MVP conversation with Giannis on his team could be a bit of a reach, but people were actually talking about how Kyle Lowry should be a candidate last year while averaging 14 points and almost 9 dimes.
The Milwaukee Bucks are currently sitting on a league-best 51-8 record and became the fastest team to clinch a playoff berth on NBA history.
Middleton is the team’s second-leading scorer and one of their best stoppers as well. He can drive, kick, create for others, pull-up, contest shots and hit from all three-levels at a high clip.
He may not talk much and perhaps most people won’t remember him once it’s all said and done, but Middleton is a hustler, a hard worker and believe it or not, a guy that’ll write his name on NBA history for good.
