While Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard both made their preseason debuts with the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, Khris Middleton was still nowhere to be seen.
Thethree-time All-Star is still dealing with a knee injury dating back to last season’s playoff series against the Miami Heat (and beyond?).
Despite his health issues, Middleton is expected to play a crucial role alongside the Bucks’ two superstars, a notion that Khris himself is eager to reiterate.
Ina recent interview with The Athletic’s Eric Nehm, Middleton was asked about his transition to becoming the third option for Milwaukee now that Lillard is in the picture.
The32-year-old has made it abundantly clear that he has no problem falling behind in the pecking order as long as the team wins: “Look, those guys, Dame and Giannis, get a lot of the credit, as they should,” Middleton said.
“They are two of the best players this league has ever had.
For me, it’s just about coming in and trying to fit in and play a role sometimes.
Simplychange roles as the game progresses, as needed. …
Let these guys do the heavy lifting, figure out how I can help them, spread out the defense and make their job a little easier.
AsMiddleton said, he’s willing to do whatever he can to help the Bucks this season.
Ifthat means taking a back seat and letting Giannis and Lillard do the cooking, then Middleton will do just that.Middleton can say all of this because he also knows that Giannis and Lillard appreciate what he has to offer.
Both stars have already gone out of their way to say they want Middleton to keep doing what he’s doing, and that’s something the 6-foot-2 swingman intends to achieve: “Also, I get my opportunities where I can be myself.
But I trust those two guys. I think we all have to bear a lot of the burden of what they want and expect.
Butthey also know that I am there for them when needed.
”Giannis and Lillard can do their thing, but Middleton just wants to remind them that he will be ready when they need him.
Thisarticle first appeared on WI Sports Heroics and is published with permission.
