Milwaukee Bucks: Antetokounmpo needs to keep Middleton in the offense
For the Milwaukee Bucks to be successful this year, Giannis Antetokounmpo needs to keep Khris Middleton involved in the offense.
So far this season, the Milwaukee Bucks have been served well by their leader, Giannis Antetokounmpo. In three games, Antetokounmpo is averaging 38.3 points, 9.7 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.7 steals in 38.3 minutes per game.
These numbers are nothing short of stupendous. However, no single player, despite how good his numbers are, has the ability to win a championship by himeself. To this end, Antetokounmpo needs to involve his teammates on the offensive end more than he is.
I am not discounting how well Antetokounmpo is playing. The way he finished the game against the Portland Trail Blazers was something not often seen. His defense is some of the best in the NBA right now. However, winning a game against the Blazers is not the same as winning a seven-game playoff series.
For the Bucks to get out of the Eastern Conference and contend for the title, they will probably have to win a seven-game series against the Cleveland Cavaliers. When Jabari Parker comes back from injury, this will be more achievable. Until then, Khris Middleton has to be the Bucks’ second scoring option, night in and night out.
Middleton’s magnificience
When Middleton is on, he is simply a joy to watch. In the first games of the season, he was involved offensively. The Boston Celtics were without Gordon Hayward, meaning Middleton had a little more freedom than he normally might have had. He scored 15 points on the night, going 6-of-17 from the field.
Middleton was terrible from deep, going 1-of-5, but that was one of the few negatives for him on the night. He had six assists and two offensive rebounds. Because of this activity on offense, he freed up Giannis to do Giannis things. It also allowed Malcolm Brogdon and Matthew Dellavedova to have a great say on the game.
In the third game of the season against the Blazers, Middleton had an even better scoring night with 18 points. His shooting was better, going 6-of-13 from the field. Middleton also attacked the hoop more. He was able to draw contact and went 6-of-6 from the line in addition to giving out three assists.
When Middleton is on his game and engaged in the offense, the Bucks have a good chance to win.
Middleton’s maladies
In the game against the Cavaliers, Middleton was matched up against the incredibly annoying defense of Jae Crowder. Crowder has put a lot of players off their game with his hard-nosed defense.
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Middleton simply struggled on the night, often going missing on the offensive end of the court. He only had eight points on 3-of-10 shooting as well as five assists. The problem is, if Middleton goes missing, it becomes harder for other players to score.
Without Middleton spacing the floor, defenses are able to rotate quickly to other players. Yes, he is there, but it appears that if his confidence is affected, his shots will not go down.
Middleton is one of the best 3-point shooters in the league. He is a career 40 percent shooter from distance. Unfortunately, he is 1-of-11 for the season, which is a dismal nine percent from range. If he keeps shooting like this, his main offensive weapon will be ineffective.
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Quite simply, Antetokounmpo as team leader and playmaker needs to get Middleton involved more on offense. If he does not, the Milwaukee Bucks will have a good regular season but an early exit from the playoffs.