Milwaukee Bucks: Grading the starters after 1 month of games

Small Forward: Khris Middleton

Entering the season, Khris Middleton was the man pegged as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s wingman. The 6’8” wing was a crucial part of the Bucks’ run to the postseason last year, and with Jabari Parker sidelined until later in the season, Middleton was supposed to step up.

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On the one hand, Middleton has logged a number of games where he was that second option, including a close loss in Charlotte where he dropped 43 points and seven assists on the Hornets. In Milwaukee’s most recent win over the Detroit Pistons, Middleton dropped 27 points and eight assists to lead the Bucks.

On the other, Middleton has struggled to be consistent, both game-to-game and possession-to-possession. One game before his 43-point excursion he put up just nine points (on 14 shots) and two assists in a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. In that big game against Charlotte, the Bucks basically tied the Hornets during his minutes (+1 plus/minus) — not enough to offset a poor bench showing.

During the team’s four-game winning streak, Middleton has been more of a steady hand, benefiting from the extra attention Eric Bledsoe demands.

When defenses warp to prevent Antetokounmpo from scoring easily (a tall task), they have to split their attention between Middleton and Bledsoe, leaving more opportunities for one or the other to attack a scrambling defense. But Middleton needs to show he can be a consistent option on the wing for the Bucks, something he has yet to do this season.

Grade: B-