Milwaukee Bucks: Ranking Giannis Antetokounmpo and the starting five

MIAMI, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks high fives Jrue Holiday #21 against the Miami Heat during the first quarter at American Airlines Arena on December 29, 2020 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

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Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images /

2. Khris Middleton

Milwaukee Bucks fans have been watching the evolution of Khris Middleton throughout the forward’s career. Unbelievably, Middleton just keeps getting better, with the star off to his best start yet at the age of 29.

Middleton is averaging 21.8 points per game in 2020-21, which is better than the career-high he set last year. He’s doing it shooting 46.8 percent from three, another career-high, and 56.9 percent from two, you guessed it, another career-high. He’s also hitting 94.7 percent of his free throws … which is the best mark of his career.

Middleton is also rebounding (6.3 boards per game) and dishing (5.7 assists per game). Asking him to keep this up seems unrealistic, but the two-time All-Star looks ready to have the best season of his career.

One of Middleton’s worst games of the season came in the Bucks’ most recent game, a win over the Pistons. He scored 12 points and grabbed six rebounds, but struggled from the field, hitting just one of his five threes. Still, not bad for a second-worst game of the season, all things considered.

Middleton already has plenty of recognition in Milwaukee and a max contract to prove it. The way he’s playing, he may finally get the respect of the rest of the NBA and his first All-NBA Team appearance, to boot.

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