40 Facts About Khris Middleton

Early Life and High School

Khris Middleton's journey to NBA stardom began in Charleston, South Carolina. His early years were marked by dedication and hard work, setting the stage for his future success.

1. Middleton attended Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, South Carolina, where he played basketball for the Cyclones under coach John Pearson.
2. As a sophomore, he averaged 12 points and eight rebounds per game, showcasing his potential early on.

College Career

Middleton's talent continued to shine at Texas A&M, where he played college basketball and honed his skills further.

3. He played for the Texas A&M Aggies from 2009 to 2012, becoming a key player for the team.
4. During his sophomore season, he led the team in scoring with 14.3 points per game and earned second-team All-Big 12 honors.
5. Middleton declared for the 2012 NBA draft after his junior season, ready to take the next step in his basketball career.

NBA Draft and Early Career

Middleton's entry into the NBA was marked by challenges, but his perseverance paid off.

6. He was selected by the Detroit Pistons with the 39th overall pick in the 2012 NBA draft.
7. In his rookie season, Middleton saw limited action with the Pistons and spent time with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League.
8. In 2013, he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, where he quickly became an important contributor.

Rise to Stardom

Middleton's career took off with the Bucks, leading to numerous accolades and achievements.

9. He received his first NBA All-Star selection in 2019, a significant milestone.
10. In 2021, Middleton helped lead the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971.
11. That same summer, he won a gold medal at the Olympics, further cementing his status as a top player.

Physical Attributes

Middleton's physical attributes have played a crucial role in his success on the court.

12. He is listed at 6 feet 7 inches (2.01 m) tall and weighs 222 pounds (101 kg).

College Recruiting and Draft Stock

Middleton's journey to the NBA was influenced by his college recruitment and draft experiences.

13. He was recruited by then-Texas A&M assistant coach Scott Spinelli, who saw his potential despite initial doubts.
14. Middleton's draft stock fell after he tore the meniscus in his right knee in early November 2011, leading scouts to question his toughness and work ethic.

Trade to Milwaukee and Contract Extension

Middleton's move to Milwaukee marked a turning point in his career, leading to long-term success with the Bucks.

15. He was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks in 2013 and quickly became a key player for the team.
16. On July 6, 2023, Middleton re-signed with the Bucks to a three-year, $102 million contract, solidifying his commitment to the team.

Franchise Records and Career Statistics

Middleton's contributions to the Bucks have earned him a place in the franchise's history books.

17. As of the 2023-24 season, Middleton is third on the Bucks' all-time scoring list, trailing only Giannis Antetokounmpo and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
18. In his 11th season with the Bucks, Middleton appeared in 55 games (all starts) and averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds in 27.0 minutes per game.
19. He shot 49.3% from the field, 38.1% from three, and 83.3% from the free-throw line.

Playoff Performances

Middleton has consistently stepped up in the playoffs, delivering crucial performances for the Bucks.

20. In the 2023-24 playoffs, Middleton averaged a playoff-career-high 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in 38.3 minutes per game across six games against the Indiana Pacers.
21. He recorded a playoff-career-best 42 points in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, alongside 10 rebounds and five assists.

College Double-Doubles and Awards

Middleton's college career was marked by impressive performances and accolades.

22. During his time at Texas A&M, Middleton recorded his first career double-double with 19 points and a career-high 10 rebounds against Texas on January 11, 2012.
23. He was named to the Second Team All-Big 12 as a junior and made the Wooden and Naismith Award watch lists in 2012.

USA Basketball Participation

Middleton's commitment to representing the United States in international competitions has been evident throughout his career.

24. He participated in USA Basketball’s World University Games Team Training Camp over the summer of 2011.

High School Recruiting and Father's Influence

Middleton's early development was shaped by influential figures and his father's guidance.

25. Despite initial doubts about his abilities, Dave Odom, then the coach of South Carolina, offered Middleton a scholarship despite never seeing him play in person.
26. Middleton's father, James, played a significant role in his early development, teaching him discipline and hard work.

Rehabilitation Efforts and Coaching Relationships

Middleton's dedication to overcoming injuries and adapting to different coaching styles has been crucial to his success.

27. After suffering a hamstring injury, Middleton attacked his rehabilitation with the same dedication he showed on the court.
28. He had a great relationship with Jason Kidd, but continued to perform well under interim coach Joe Prunty after Kidd was fired.

Scouting Reports and D-League Experience

Middleton's early career was marked by challenges, but his determination impressed coaches and scouts.

29. Scouts initially questioned Middleton's effort due to his languid style, but Joe Dumars, then the Pistons' GM, saw a player who played at his own pace.
30. Middleton spent time with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA Development League during his rookie season, showing a determination that impressed his coaches.

Father-Son Bond and High School Averages

Middleton's relationship with his father and his high school performance were instrumental in shaping his career.

31. The father-son relationship between James and Khris was instrumental in shaping Khris's work ethic.
32. As a sophomore at Porter-Gaud School, Middleton averaged 12 points and eight rebounds per game.

College Statistics and Playoff Performances

Middleton's college and playoff performances have been marked by consistency and excellence.

33. During his junior year at Texas A&M, Middleton averaged 13.2 points and 5.0 rebounds per game.
34. In the 2023-24 playoffs, Middleton recorded four double-doubles, all of which were games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds.

Career Milestones and Franchise Records

Middleton's career has been marked by numerous milestones and records with the Bucks.

35. Middleton has achieved several career milestones, including passing Sidney Moncrief to become the fourth-all-time-leading scorer in Bucks franchise history.
36. As of the 2023-24 season, Middleton is second in Bucks history for games played with 712, passing Junior Bridgeman.

Season Highlights and Injury Management

Middleton's ability to perform at a high level despite injuries has been crucial to his success.

37. In the 2023-24 regular season, Middleton scored a season-high 27 points and dished out 10 assists on December 27 against Brooklyn.
38. He missed seven games due to right knee injury management and one game with left Achilles tendinitis during the 2023-24 season.

Coaching Influence and Team Leadership

Middleton's relationships with coaches and his leadership on the team have been key to his success.

39. Middleton has had several influential coaches throughout his career, including Scott Spinelli at Texas A&M and Jason Kidd with the Bucks.
40. He has been a key leader on the Bucks, often stepping up in critical situations.

Middleton's Impact on Basketball

Khris Middleton's journey from a high school standout in Charleston to an NBA champion with the Milwaukee Bucks is nothing short of inspiring. His dedication, versatility, and work ethic have made him a cornerstone of the Bucks' success. Middleton's achievements, including three NBA All-Star selections, an NBA championship, and an Olympic gold medal, highlight his exceptional talent and commitment to the game.

Beyond his on-court success, Middleton's influence extends to his community involvement and leadership. He has become a role model for young athletes, demonstrating that hard work and perseverance can lead to greatness. As he continues to play at an elite level, Middleton's legacy in basketball will only grow, inspiring future generations to follow in his footsteps. His story is a testament to what can be achieved through dedication and passion for the sport.