🏀 Introduction: The Middleton Legacy Debate
Khris Middleton has been one of the faces of the Milwaukee Bucks for over a decade — a loyal co-star alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo during the franchise’s return to championship glory. Recently, talk has surfaced about Middleton wanting his jersey retired in Milwaukee. But the question many fans are asking is: Does he really deserve that honor?
đź“Š Career Snapshot
Middleton’s tenure in Milwaukee began in 2013 after a trade from Detroit, and he’s been a consistent and reliable scorer ever since. Here’s what his numbers tell us:
- Career Averages (approx.): 16.7 PPG, 4.8 RPG, 3.8 APG
- Shooting Splits: 46% FG, 39% 3PT, 87% FT
- 3-Time All-Star (2019, 2020, 2022)
- NBA Champion (2021)
- Longest-tenured Buck since Giannis joined the team
Middleton was instrumental in Milwaukee’s 2021 title run — hitting clutch shots and averaging nearly 24 points in that postseason. But as the years have passed, his production and durability have declined significantly.
📉 Recent Decline
The 2023–24 and 2024–25 seasons paint a different picture. His minutes and efficiency dropped, and the once-lethal midrange assassin has struggled to stay healthy and impactful.
In 2024–25 (split between Milwaukee and Washington):
- 27 games with Milwaukee: 6.1 PPG in 17 minutes
- 23 games with Washington: 12.6 PPG in 23 minutes
Far from All-Star numbers, and far from jersey-retirement territory.
🏆 The Case For Jersey Retirement
Supporters will argue that Middleton deserves the honor because:
- He was the second-best player on a championship team, the first Bucks title since 1971.
- He gave 12 loyal seasons to the franchise.
- His leadership and chemistry with Giannis defined an era.
In many small markets, that level of contribution might be enough for the rafters.
❌ The Case Against Jersey Retirement
However, critics call this dream delusional:
- Middleton was never the franchise cornerstone — Giannis was.
- His stats don’t match those of other retired jersey legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar or Sidney Moncrief.
- His late-career decline, injuries, and reduced role make it hard to argue that he left an iconic legacy on par with true Milwaukee immortals.
Fans also point out that jersey retirements are about transcending numbers — being the face of a city, not just a co-star.
🧠Final Take: Respect the Run, But Be Realistic
Middleton’s career in Milwaukee deserves deep respect — he was loyal, clutch, and part of a historic title run. But wanting his number retired? That might be stretching the truth.
He’ll always be a Milwaukee great, but not necessarily a Milwaukee legend. The rafters should be reserved for players who defined the franchise, not those who supported the one who did.