Khris Middleton leaves behind a legacy as one of the greatest Bucks of all-time, maybe eclipsed only by teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
There was a time when the unassuming, sometimes private and low-key Middleton was perhaps the best player on the squad. Remember 2013? When Antetokounmpo appeared to be just a role player teenaged prospect and the Deer were rolling out starting 5s that included Luke Ridnour and Zaza Pachulia in the Bradley Center?
With the trade of 33-year-old Middleton earlier this week – to Washington in exchange for supermodel Winnie Harlow’s husband Kyle Kuzma – it’s unlikely we’ll see Kha$h play for the Bucks again.
All-Star. Champion. Franchise legend.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 7, 2025
You left your mark on this organization and the city of Milwaukee with countless midrange buckets, clutch moments, and unforgettable memories. You helped lead one of the best eras of Bucks basketball.
Thank you for everything, Khris. 💚🏆 pic.twitter.com/PEbd8PCaP2
Let’s take some time to remember just one moment from each of the 12 seasons when he suited up for the Bucks, from hitting an oft-forgotten but somehow also unforgettable buzzer-beater game-winner on coach Jason Kidd’s birthday, to multiple MJ-like playoff performances.
2013: In just his 19th game in Milwaukee, he put in 29 points in 48 minutes as a 22-year-old
There was a time when Middleton was probably the best on the Bucks. It was his second season in the NBA and well-before Giannis came into his own. Within Middleton’s first two-dozen games with the Deer, his potential shone through.
(Remember when the Bucks’ starting 5 had John Henson, Brandon Knight, and O.J. Mayo?)
2014: “In and out, back in again!”
2015: “HAPPY BIRTHDAY JASON KIDD!”
One of the most unlikely buzzer-beater threes you will ever see, complete with sightings of Ersan Ilyasova and Jerryd Bayless giving their all.
This is the first game winner I ever watched live. I remember jumping up and down in the living room after the shot fell.
— Jonathan Gauthier (@jgauthier_23) February 5, 2025
Thank you to Khris for giving me reasons to fall in love with the Bucks pic.twitter.com/Vxy2xfwnwT
2016: When he hit 8 threes in a game
It could’ve been a team record if it weren’t for some guys named Ray Allen and Michael Redd.
2017: Never, never, never give up
This may be Middleton and his most-Middleton-y. He already had 40 in this game and his team was down six with 10 seconds to play. Even announcer Jim Paschke had given up hope for the Bucks when No. 22 sprinted downcourt and seemingly flung up a three… which swooshed. They couldn’t finish the almost-impossible comeback, but it didn’t stop Middleton from trying.
2018: A glimmer
This is when Bucks fans really started to believe there could be a championship coming soon. They still got bounced in the first round of the playoffs in 2018, but not until after Middleton somehow got this contested long-long-range three to fall at the buzzer (of course) in Game 1 against Boston.
A bonus from 2018: When he got Giannis to jump over poor Tim Hardaway Jr.
This was one of the plays that got fans thinking… maybe this team is special.
2019: Finally receiving his flowers
It took until 2019 for NBA fans to finally name Middleton an All-Star. He became the fifth Buck this century to earn the AS honor, following Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson, Ray Allen, fellow No. 22 Michael Redd and Antetokounmpo. He leaves the Bucks as a three-time All-Star, including a 20-point showing and an ‘oop to Giannis in 2019.
2020: When he put up 51 in 36 minutes
Fewer than 175 men have ever scored that many in a game, and even fewer in the equivalent of three quarters.
Or when he kept the season alive in the bubble
2021: Going MJ in the playoffs in 2021
He kept pace, and at times bested, Kevin Durant in the conference finals….
…before sinking a championship dagger with a poetically classic mid-ranger.
2022: When he just casually dropped 44
As of today, it’s the second-most he’s scored in a game.
2023: 41 minutes. 33 points. 6 boards. 6 assists.
He left it all out there, even in heartbreak.
2024: Going MJ in the playoffs even when all seemed lost in 2024
Against rival Indiana, he channels himself from 2018 with this “ultimate cashout ball” to push it to overtime.
Then, later in the series, a fan caught on the broadcast sums it up: “Khris Middleton is Michael Jordan! It’s official!”
“KHRIS MIDDLETON IS MICHAEL JORDAN!” what’s the big deal that’s just a basic statement of fact https://t.co/Rf5HUKlQAL
— Frank Madden (@fmaddenNBA) May 1, 2024
All-Star. Champion. Franchise legend.
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 7, 2025
You left your mark on this organization and the city of Milwaukee with countless midrange buckets, clutch moments, and unforgettable memories. You helped lead one of the best eras of Bucks basketball.
Thank you for everything, Khris. 💚🏆 pic.twitter.com/PEbd8PCaP2
