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Ranking the top 50 NBA players of the 2021-22 season: 20-11

By Corey Rausch

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 17: Chris Paul #3 of the Phoenix Suns reacts in the second half of game five of the NBA Finals against the Milwaukee Bucks at Footprint Center on July 17, 2021 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Bucks defeated the Suns 123-119. 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 Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Top 50 NBA players ranked: 17. Khris Middleton

Previous Rank: 21

For too long it has been far too easy to ignore the level of overall production Khris Middleton has had in the league. Whether it is playing next to Giannis Antetokounmpo or dipping out early in the playoffs (before last season), the narrative around Middleton has always been a little confused. However, the run to the top last year may finally change that.

Middleton did not make an All-Star appearance last season and he has yet to make an All-NBA Team. What he has done is be the picture of efficiency and helped to establish a title culture in a small market. During the regular season, Middleton posted a line of 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.1 steals per game on shooting splits of .476/.414/.898. He is the picture of efficiency and remains the stabilizing force for the Milwaukee Bucks.

He was even better in the postseason, at times being the best player on the floor for a team featuring the two-time MVP of the league. Middleton averaged 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 1.5 steals per game. He dropped 40 points in game four of the Finals, helping to tie up the series for the Bucks. He had two more games of 38 points, once each against the Brooklyn Nets and Atlanta Hawks. Antetokounmpo will always be the headliner. Middleton will remain the perfect wingman.