MILWAUKEE — Khris Middleton found himself retracing familiar steps at Fiserv Forum on a gloomy Wednesday morning, just hours ahead of the Washington Wizards’ season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. This marked a poignant moment for the athlete, as it was the first time he walked the arena as an opponent after spending over a decade as a beloved member of the Bucks.
The 31-year-old reflected on the memories he created in Milwaukee, calling the experience “weird” but filled with nostalgia. “Done great things in here, so it was definitely a moment I got to reflect on a little bit,” he shared, recalling the journey that took him from being a second-round pick by the Detroit Pistons in 2012 to becoming one of Milwaukee’s franchise legends.
When traded from Detroit to the Bucks in 2013, Middleton was initially seen as an ancillary player in the deal that involved Brandon Knight and Brandon Jennings. However, he evolved into a linchpin for the team, partnering with Giannis Antetokounmpo to elevate the franchise. Under their leadership, the Bucks turned into a consistent contender and clinched their first championship in 50 years in 2021.
Throughout his time, Middleton solidified his status, making three All-Star appearances and setting numerous franchise records, including second for most games played and first in three-pointers. “This place will always be special to me,” he remarked. “This organization helped me accomplish a lot of my dreams.”
As the day progressed, Bucks fans eagerly anticipated how the team would honor Middleton. While the specific plans remained under wraps, both he and Antetokounmpo voiced the importance of a warm welcome. “He should get the warmest welcome ever,” said Antetokounmpo, emphasizing Middleton’s significance to both the team and himself.
Middleton expressed hopes for the night’s festivities, particularly wishing to see his jerseys outnumber those of Antetokounmpo in the crowd. He acknowledged the emotional weight of the tribute video he would be featured in, anticipating it would be “hard” to watch during the game.
As he entered the court that morning, he looked up to the championship banner, a testament to the legacy he helped build along with his teammates. While Middleton’s future in retirement and the potential for his jersey to be retired remains uncertain, he stated, “I hope to see that number up there one day. Not any time soon, but that would be great.”
Middleton’s journey serves as a reminder of the impact an athlete can have on a community, illustrating that his contributions to the Bucks will always be cherished by fans and city alike. It’s a celebration of the intertwining of passion, perseverance, and shared victories that define the spirit of sports.