Khris Middleton: Forever Underrated

[@jump25ontoast]

No one talks about Khris being the second best player on a championship team

[@tripptothemovies6284]

Middleton is undervalued, but I’d still argue he was the third best player on the team. Jrue Holiday is the man.

[@domination4892]

@@tripptothemovies6284 I would argue fourth. Bobby Portis was really impactful on that run

[@georgebrowniii3850]

@@domination4892 wild take ngl

[@hubertmalenfant5166]

@@domination4892 fifth jordan nwora carried his ass

[@hubertmalenfant5166]

@@domination4892 after his biggest game there was talk of him beeing finals mvp so no not even close

[@hardliketissues7463]

Him being underrated is no doubt what makes him special. He really is the most ideal second man out there. Underrated but will make it happen when he needs to.

[@YodaSmokes]

He’s about as weak of a 2nd option you can have and still win a championship. Clearly jrue is the 2nd best player, but Middleton is the 2nd scoring option, and if not for Giannis being the best player, that wouldn’t work. Take Giannis off this roster and they fight for a play in spot. Warriors are a bit different cuz they have 3 guys who could be the 2nd scoring option at any moment, and have the deepest roster on top of that. Middleton is not underrated. He’s slowly becoming overrated if people don’t realize what he is. People acting like he closer to Kevin Durant than A solid pull up guy who can shoot 3s pretty well and play ok defense. His assists are pretty much just making the extra pass, which is very valuable but let’s not act like he could playmake if he needed to. There was a reason everybody thought Giannis should leave before he won. With all that being said, they clearly would’ve beat the Celtics if he were available. But it being so close shows that he is replaceable to a degree.

[@LoftyXsWaGX34]

@@YodaSmokes wrong Middleton is the 2nd best player and the most clutch player by far. Not jrue who wouldn’t hit a shot in the finals or against Boston. Without khris they don’t even advance past that injured nets team. It was his duels in the clutch against kd that won them that series. You can speak to how replaceable you think he is but the fact remains he was on the team and they wouldn’t have won without him.

[@countryrah]

Facts it's hard to name 3 numbers two options as good on a team as Middleton

[@kylecraig6789]

@@YodaSmokes "Let's not act like he could play-make if he needed to"??? Actually if you look at his stats when Giannis is out he ALWAYS puts up big numbers. Look at game 5 and 6 against Atlanta in ECF. That fits the definition of "needing to" play-make and he did. He also has a long history of coming up big in the clutch to make huge shots. He's actually far and away the best shot creator on the Bucks. He can literally always get you a good look in an iso situation. Always. Not sure what ur smoking saying its obvious Jrue is their 2nd best player?? Not sure Jrue even has the ability to completely take over a game when he's hot. Middleton does. I promise if you took him and made him the go to guy on a shyt team he'd average around 26-27 ppg. In fact, your entire post proves the narrative correct that he's underrated

[@kgtd2160]

Khris Middleton is probably one of the best championship level second options in the league. He's basically a 50/40/90 guy that can work as a main shot creator to alleviate the load off your best player, can also be another ball handler when plays go south, and also is a pretty elite defender. Anyone saying this man is not an all star is just straight up clueless

[@Time_Lapse_Master.]

He's basically slightly downgraded PG13

[@jeffreyware7808]

I mean he’s definitely efficient, but not 50/40/90. At least not the 50%, but still great efficiency. However, his defense is not near elite. It’s good, but there’s a large difference between good and elite. And I mean everyone knows he’s an all star level player, but he’s not a lock for it every year. There’s only 12 spots a conference, and there’s lots of talent in the league who simply just take up way more volume than 20 ppg.

[@kahmarigreen5392]

@@Time_Lapse_Master. ehhh tbh can’t call him a slightly pg when he’s a champion and a gold medalist in one year when pg is not

[@Time_Lapse_Master.]

@@kahmarigreen5392 well what I meant was overall playstyle, PG is basically Middleton but with better defense and higher volume

[@NintyPrime]

@@Time_Lapse_Master. You're not wrong about the volume - the primary difference between Middleton and PG13 offensively is, indeed, volume. And sure, PG13's defensive metrics are just flat better than Middletons. Middleton is still an above average defender and can borderline on being a really good defender, but Geroge is jus ta step above that. this would make you think PG13 is a better player. But is he? Lets set aside career accomplishments, because it's hard to argue against a ring a gold medal for one, and more all stars for the other. Just comparing the players today (not taking in past seasons); Middleton shoots a better percentage from the floor on less shots (so he's more effecient), and while both drop dimes at a similar rate of late, Paul George also turns it over a lot more. MIddleton has a 2-1 assist to turnover ratio, George is like 1.3 to 1. This suggests he's a lot sloppier with the ball. Also, in general, George has never been able to serve that #2 role well. He's not good enough to really be the #1 and win a ring, but also his playstyle isn't that great for a #2 either. The offense tends to "stop" when he gets the ball, which is the opposite of Middleton. It's part of what makes middletons role as the #2 so unique. As for which player is better? I think a lot of people, most NBA fans, would tell you Paul George is better. I also think most NBA execs would tell you they would rather have Middleton for a few reasons. Besides his insane health throughout his career, the way he plays is a style that ages well. George is 32. Middleton is 31, and at those ages athleticism slowly begins to leave you and then what you're left with on the floor is what you can do with it as it fades. Middleton isn't reliant on athleticism for almost anything he does, even defensively, he just shuffles his feet and anticipates moves. He has a "old man" style of play, and old man styles have always aged very gracefully in the NBA. I think Paul George is probably the better player. But both had the exact same PER last year - and George was in the role of the #1. The big leap was win shares. George had 1.3. Middltone was 5+. So Middletons is effecting winning at a significantly greater rate than George last season. What I learned is: You can't really go wrong with either, but Middleton has proven his comfort zone in the #2 role. What George did last post season is great, but he's never been able to do that as a #2.

[@Operandie]

I love the bucks man, that team is literally built on underrated players that comes together and brings the best out of each other

[@hyperhooperbasketball]

Yea besides Giannis

[@wegogym34]

@@hyperhooperbasketball Giannis was not in the top 100 recruit on his draft batch. He's clearly underrated he was not in the radar. The Bucks saw his potential and made a wager.

[@Kodreanu23]

Yeah, everyone on the team is low maintenance. Fantastic job by picking all these players.

[@WillSoTrill]

This is EXACTLY what I’ve been waiting for

[@chloelittle7036]

He’s one of my favorite players in the league. He reminds me a lot of Klay Thompson before his injury a few years ago, mainly the conversation around klay at the time being, yes he’s clearly the number 2 option BUT he immediately and undoubtedly improves any roster that he gets added to simply because he does so many things at a high level. I mean he’s no slouch defensively even if he’s more focused on his offensive output and the dude can straight up give you 25/8/6 just about any night and the scariest thing is he doesn’t even have to for his team to win games

[@elijahcesar4149]

Better than klay...

[@ericl.8454]

I’m a diehard Bucks fan, and Giannis is obviously one of the best to ever do it, he’s incredible. But I always say Khris is my favorite player. The way he plays the game, his ability to hit clutch shots, the way he represents our team in such a positive way, and maybe most importantly, the fact that he went from a 2nd round G-Leaguer to an NBA Champ. I love seeing content like this, and I’ll echo what another commenter said: Seeing KMidd finally get recognized for his immense talent during last year’s playoff run was one of the most satisfying things for me

[@BucksPackersBrewers]

Same here! Giannis is my MVP (and I love him) but Khris is my favorite player. He’s so fun to watch when he’s in his bag.

[@Royi8083]

Pure ball talk. I love it

[@evanwrenn402]

He was so good in 19-20. Basically a 50/40/90 season on pretty high volume. 20.9 ppg on 49.7 / 41.5 / 91.6 Oh and he's a plus on defense

[@09lowkey]

Excellent breakdown, this really shows why the Celtics went to the Finals and not the Bucks. Middleton can score and run the offense so Giannis doesn't have to do everything (like he did against the Celtics). Middleton is like what Shaun Livingston was for the Warriors, but as a starter and an All Star.

[@generalhyde007]

This is why I think that the Bucks could’ve gotten to their next ring if Khris was healthy. Since he wasn’t we lost in 7. If he was we would have won in 5 or 6.

[@dareiousmiller8179]

@@generalhyde007 If Khris was there we win game 6, The way Giannis went off but everyone else went cold, Middleton would've helped tremendously

[@codyking3825]

@@dareiousmiller8179 no you's wouldn't have

[@dareiousmiller8179]

@@codyking3825 Yeah we would have and everyone knows it

[@codyking3825]

@@dareiousmiller8179 I could same the same when you's played the Nets in your title run. Had Kyrie and Harden played every game, you's would've lost

[@bananabonzai]

He has the perfect situation. Only players and front office know how good he is so he will always be paid and wanted. As a second option, he’ll always be behind Giannis in scrutiny and pressure. This is the most comfortable position to be in as a star in the NBA

[@amari5850]

But for that same reason he’ll never get the appreciation he deserves.

[@rezal643]

@@amari5850 true but it’s what ever khris wants and it seems like he’s not looking for the spotlight

[@NintyPrime]

@@amari5850 As a Bucks fan in wisconsin - he'll never be forgotten. Some have suggested the bucks build a statue of the starting 5 outside the building and they may well some day, and a few stragglers said you can't honor 22 - that's Michael Redds number. Most bucks fans laugh. Sure Redd was the best player on the bucks for a number of seasons, but he's not really on Middleton's level. If this bucks squad goes on to win 1 or 2 more titles, Middleton and Jrue alike will be hard to just "not be given some credit". They won't get the attention of Giannis, but eventually when you start to win multiple rings people notice how good the other parts are around you. It's crazy the Bucks #2 and #3 players are both considered to be elite level players in their own right, and both are massively undervalued by most NBA fans.

[@Cillo85]

He’s a reliable defender too.. great player!

[@erikrieger9585]

This is such high quality content

[@mrspiffyhimself2696]

This whole video sums up exactly why Khris is one of my favorite players in the whole league. An unselfish shot creator who can defend and create for others, an ideal second option for a guy who might be the best player in the league.

[@lukefish7616]

Bucks team needs to seal the deal with another chip or all outside of MKE is forgotten. Khris will always be one of my favorites. He’s a humble working man. 2nd round draft pick no one cared about to a consistent problem for opponents year after year. He’s loyal and lives with critics that break guys like Kyrie and Ben Simmons. He’s the ultimate Milwaukee hero to those of us understanding the reality of the level these guys play at.

[@j9ke3r]

I think he has THE most beautiful jump shot in the current NBA

[@badgerfan3328]

Agreed!

[@tanisol2759]

Oh man thank you thank you thank you! What an awesome video and description! I truly haven't seen almost any videos saying how underrated this guy is and that's so so sad. Thank you again!

[@AngryBirdzMTheOneonlyreelkool]

Very well done video. The research that went into this is crazy. Had no clue he shot that efficiently in the finals!

[@Heart_ken01]

High qualities content👍🏾

[@fst5349]

God tier video Alex!

[@calvin_bbp4466]

Love u showing luv the Kmid everyone disrespects him but real ones know he’s tuff

[@freddyfox5002]

Kris is just so damm smooth with it

[@kennn30]

Khris is kinda like how people view Draymond I feel like. Both are the second most impactful players on their championship teams, but are undervalued because they play next to superstars. I believe a healthy Middleton allows the Bucks to go to back to back Finals last year, the Boston series went to 7 games without him because Giannis is that good, they definitely would've won it with Middleton.

[@emersonssbb]

Draymond is replaceable Khris Middleton isnt. Hard to find someone who scores 20.9 PPG and play defense. Meanwhile its very easy to find people who can do the same job as Draymond.

[@kennn30]

And it's hard to find someone who can guard 1-4 and sometimes 5 while also being your best passer. I mean come on even current Draymond isn't easy to replaceable, prime Draymond Green is one of the best defenders ever on and off the ball. There's a reason the Warriors goes from great to average without him. And he's a great fit for great shooters like Klay and Steph who don't need to be the playmakers all the time because Green can. There's more to basketball than just ppg, and the Warriors don't even make the Finals without Draymond.

[@emersonssbb]

@@kennn30 People said the same thing about Ben Simmons. They said his defense was unreplaceable. Look the Sixers are the same without him they went to the playoff without him. Stop overrating player defense. If Ben Simmons was replaceable so is Draymond Green.

[@kennn30]

Ur obviously a casual fan. Your comparing a guy who has gone to 6 Finals and won 4 of them to a guy who hasn't even made the Finals. And they're not the same defender, Green is a better and smarter defender and has won DPOY while Ben has not. I'll even show you stats from statmuse, Since the 2014-15 season, the Warriors have won 71% of their games when Draymond has played, at least a top 3 seed. But without him they have won 52% of their games, that puts them in them in the play-in now and a low 7-8 seed. The Warriors record drops significantly because Draymond is a very impactful player, without him they're fighting to make the playoffs. Please watch the games and recognize his impact

[@emersonssbb]

@@kennn30 Oh yeah if he is so impactful how the heck did Warriors win 53 games last year. When Draymond Green only played 46 games last year.

[@figrolls.1673]

How do you not have 100k+ your insight on the game and knowledge is great new subscriber

[@AlexHoops]

It’s a journey my friend! We’ll get there one day, thanks for subscribing 🙏

[@shaft9000]

Greetings from waaaay the hell out in California! Nice channel. :) Everyone I talk hoops with except for the casual-est casuals knows the Bucks would have most likely beat Boston with Middleton in there. I believe *he's not underrated nearly as much as he's under-mentioned.* He definitely deserves more praise - but the praise he does get is always quite high. He is no doubt a top-3 SG today and arguably the best, although deRozan has a significant ppg advantage. But DdR has lower efficiency, slightly weaker D and a woeful 3pt%. All-time, currently I'd put Khris about even with Ray Allen and just behind Reggie and Klay. So he's already knocking on the door for top-5 all-time at his position, and another title just about assures it. Cheers/

[@24stack]

Finally khris Middy getting some much deserved love in the community!

[@BonafideJas]

Love seeing 🔥 videos from New creators

[@lorsneaky8126]

If it wasn’t for Khris Middleton being injured, the bucks would’ve gone back to back 💯

[@mrtroll7755]

dont forget he playmakes for Giannis so much!

[@urbaindelva7869]

If people wanna compare Giannis to Shaq, they should not forget that Middleton is his Kobe.

[@JacobKraemer414]

I am a long time bucks fan. I love khris’s game so much. He has perfected it. The only thing I can say that is a con about Khris is consistency. One game he will go off the next game he would do terrible atleast for the play offs. But man is he so underrated. Khris Middleton 22 is going in the rafters for sure Bucks Legend

[@dylam541]

I’ve noticed players drafted after like 2012 are heavily criticized, fans today are extremely critical but back in the day nba players were a lot more beloved, my theory is we’re at point where a generation of nba fans ( 2004-2012) are slowly turning into old heads lol

[@joeyabalone9549]

you deserve way more subscribers

[@therebel15]

thank you

[@bluebeta5191]

good video! chris is very humble

[@guilhermehenrique9516]

You could do series of players like him, forgotten All-stars

[@pacdaman15557]

Khris Middleton is the offensive Pippen. Great on offense in every way but never detracts from Giannis.

[@joeunger4862]

Great vid, Alex!

[@brycekamin]

He is also such a good defender

[@DCT97]

HOF Shot Creator

[@franciskozak1012]

A friend of mine thinks Kris Middleton is overrated because of the “under performs in the playoffs” narrative that’s just completely false and so annoying. Thank you for this video.

[@wojak-sensei6424]

I agree, though the sentence itself is incomplete. "He underperforms against certain playoff teams" is how I describe him. If the opposing team is aggressive, motivated, confident, and with nothing to lose, it takes a while for Middleton to respond. Thing is, that's usually most playoff teams.

[@NintyPrime]

@@wojak-sensei6424 Middleton does indeed get better as the series goes on. He's known for his slow starts to a series - that's why Giannis improvements and getting Jrue is such a big deal. By the time game 3 and on rolls around, Middleton has typically found himself against whatever defense they are running on him. He almost ALWAYS finishes series so strong, which when you're a #2 - yeah, that's definitely good enough. But yeah, he's always had slow series starts. But as they often say, it matters how you finish more than how it begins. So long as Giannis is good enough to hold down the fort until he finds himself - and Giannis keeps prove yes, he is that good, it works. People focus last year pre-injury that middleton had a poor "1.5 games before he got hurt, so would he have mattered?" - yeah, you just didn't watch Middleton his whole career. Those are often his worst games, and he didn't even get to finish game 2. That's typical Middleton. Game 3 and on, different story. Only series recently I remember Middleton being below average most of the time was... the nets. Yet, when clutch time came, Khlutch showed up.

[@Jethropeth]

Khris middleton is good Simple as that

[@3hristopher]

I used to sleep on Middleton

[@julian_ttz2297]

Im a bucks fan and i love him i mean his the 2nd best player in a championship team. The Truth about Khris is he has 3 different identities. 2nd best player in a team/ prime Mj/ zero factor

[@Rock100208074]

The title made me laugh out loudly

[@kwyatt261]

Here's a take: Keegan Murray will develop into the next Khris Middleton

[@Pigskall85]

like it

[@reidb6327]

I hope so

[@DownloadEvony]

And people say having Khris this year wouldn’t have changed nothing

[@justmyopinion6290]

Keegan Murray has the same swag

[@brody_zzz]

if he wasn't injured this season it would've been easy back to back chips for the bucks

[@NintyPrime]

As a Bucks fan, I don't know about "easy". I do think they trounce Miami. It was mostly the same squad the Bucks man handled last post season. But, the warriors do that thing the Bucks struggle with - ball movement at the 3 point line. Bucks 3 point defense isn't great. that said, Bucks also do that thing the GSW struggle with at times - strong interior play with great mid range shooting. That series would have bene great because both teams styles play right into each others weaknesses. I would love to see a warriors bucks finals before all the core players are too old. I've been wanting that finals for years.

[@brody_zzz]

@@NintyPrime I agree, the two teams are so polar different I also was rooting for a finals matchup between them. wouldn't be surprised if that's what we get in the 23 finals

[@Leon-cy7ud]

He definitely is the best partner for giannis all he need is to be consistent he could be MJ hitting insane shots n getting hot then next game be like ben simmons

[@nobudget2547]

People only remember giannis game 6 50 point and like he was the only reason they won .

[@adamlavelle5817]

If Khris wasnt injured the bucks would've been in 2022 finals

[@benomerovic5515]

They would’ve easily beat the warriors with Middleton

[@reidb6327]

Ya

[@jasonmoukala8909]

@@benomerovic5515 nah dude. Warriors beat the best defense in the league

[@jasonmoukala8909]

Nah they might’ve lost to heat

[@MotorcityZay]

@@jasonmoukala8909 bro ima warriors fan an im not going be biased but bruh there’s no answer for Gianni’s he wouldn’t breakdown in the playoffs like tatum would

[@CBUCK1994]

truth is if he wins another ring you could say he could make the hall of fame

[@Max-kw2hp]

I clicked thinking it's Andy Hoops. Don't be me.

[@bignoob24]

Let's goooooooooooooooo.

[@wojak-sensei6424]

Khris' rather enigmatic attitude when it comes to the court remains to be his most unique strength and his most glaring weakness. It's almost as if he's mentally playing on an island away from everyone else. On one hand, that makes him a key crunch time player and a good closer for a series (there's a reason why he's always one of the final bucket-getters in last year's playoffs against the Nets and Suns, not to mention his scoring performance when Giannis was out during the Hawks games). Calm, focused, and rarely letting the pressure get the better of him. On the other hand, he's a bit of a liability when it comes to more aggressive matchups. Hence, his initial underperformance in the Suns, Nets, and Hawks (teams with everything to gain and/or nothing to lose). Passive, lethargic, and unable to respond and adapt to shifting momentums. Either way, use Middleton right and he's more than worthy to be Giannis' wing man. Use his wrong, and you get the spotty shooter who's way out of his depth. Coach Bud has done both throughout this Bucks era.

[@jellyman9013]

Stud!

[@adidas20zero]

It's just the media, fans that watch know his worth we are not on TV to tell it!!!

[@4kdefinition70]

Hell yeah

[@stelladoro8363]

Khris Middleton is Good.

[@Andrei-wk3zy]

they would've gone back to back champs guaranteed because if you actually watched the celtics vs bucks series, you would've clearly seen that the bucks were just missing another scorer, being middleton. Giannis had to drop 40 for them to win games so if middleton wasn't injured then they would have won.

[@NintyPrime]

Yeah, and one game Giannis went off it still wasn't enough. What Giannis proved that series: Yes, I am that good. I can almost solo handle the best defense in the NBA and carry my team on my back offensively to the ECF. Also: If we have Middleton to help scoring - that isn't a 7 game series. Bucks would have been up 3-1 going back to boston as Middleton wouldn't have let the bucks blow that 4th quarter lead at home in game 4, and game 5 was the Jrue Holiday late game win - series over 4-1. Oh how different people view that series if Middleton played.

[@704_kj]

Khris Middleton is the second option that we thought Jabari Parker would be beside Giannis...

[@kevlar715]

I've heard people call him KD lite before. I think he's more similar to Kawhi, just far less athletic. Underrated defended too.

[@aqua_serene]

1:45 Kendrick Perkins will 😂😂😂

[@opiniononion]

Now that I look at him again he feels like a version of iso Joe

[@michaelbarnes2126]

Giannis backpacks and carries the team, Middleton bails them out if they really need a shot

[@3hristopher]

I think he has a better looking jump shot then Klay Thompson

[@TOHL1995]

Bucks fans love him, but he just needs to be more consistent.

[@JohnP587]

Jordan with a 30 inch vert.

[@boodaviking2736]

This dude ain't underrated, there are people on Twitter saying he is better than Tatum 😂

[@Hoops590]

anyone think his game is similar to alan houston?

[@yunan9610]

In a way he's like chris paul as a playmaker on the pick and roll

[@EnvyTraxus]

real ones know

[@Tikyyy12]

Middleton plays like mj against the Celtics

[@Nearnface]

wowoowoww

[@tloikj3985]

He's basically Milwaukee's dark skinned Klay Thompson. Which means he's really good.

[@artLopez24]

Obviously Giannis should get his credit but people act like he plays with bums lol without Khris they not making the finals in 2021

[@kingof21kings9]

Batman

[@chocamocha4541]

Celtics fans actually think they would win if Khris was healthy lmao Bucks would of been champions tbh

[@b_m_nz5108]

If you replace giannis and Middleton with mj and scottie that bulls team would still be as good. Not better but still dominant everyone

[@mailcarlosplease]

PJ Tucker getting pushed down by Giannis and then losing hope while sitting down is hilarious!

[@tahjae7862]

Real bucks fans/basketball fans know that kmid is the real deal n people may overlook him but thatll be their downfall

[@t-man152]

I dont get how the Bucks are so underrated

[@spliffsforbreakfast]

Let Jokic get Murray and MPJ back and see what he does!

[@MotorcityZay]

Nothing 😂👎🏽he had him in 2020 an 2021 in lost in the playoffs

[@oliverl.9004]

I always hear: "He's inconsistent, he's inconsistent". How are you inconsistent averaging over 20 ppg?

[@hijisfriend9030]

Tbh, when he is on fire. He is MJ reincarnated. However, when he is in cool down. You can expect Darko Milicic

[@Cloveshoops]

yooooooooooooooooo

[@parsifal40]

Yeah he is a great Batman to Giannis' Robin for sure. im joking im joking

[@AR-rg2en]

My question is why Khris is not Chris

[@housesuns-kings8480]

because his mom decided to name him Khris

[@AR-rg2en]

@@housesuns-kings8480 kh is a completely different sound

[@godgavelength9123]

Lmaooo nah he’s overrated with the Batman narrative great player ngl

[@noone-ph2jc]

Jesus loves you and God bless yall

[@AnthonyYang002]

Khris is most definitely the Batman of the Bucks, he's playing alongside Superman in Giannis

[@diegoandres8711]

Subscribed here and unsubscribed from rusty buckets

[@hailemhailem1320]

broke mans durant

[@brandonalejandroblanco]

Khris Middleton > Klay Thompson

[@jasontaverner391]

Forever Injured.

[@WolfyKun275]

We lost to the celtics because he was injured I think thats enough to see what Khris brings to the table.

[@ghostreapergaming6789]

He’s not tht good

[@pinkpotato2460]

2nd

[@frankiethefrog1752]

But guys!!!! I thought the narrative was Giannis did it without help!?

[@ΒαδιληςΑμανατιδης]

🧢, jrue is better