From the 39th pick to an NBA champion and Olympic gold medalist
In short: Most players drafted in the second round struggle to find their footing. But Khris Middleton transformed from a Detroit Pistons reserve into a cornerstone of the Milwaukee Bucks, eventually securing both an NBA title and Olympic gold in a remarkable period of professional ascent.
Khris Middleton's journey to the top of the basketball world was not an overnight success. After a standout collegiate career at Texas A&M, where he earned second-team All-Big 12 honors and led the Aggies in scoring during his sophomore year, he entered the 2012 NBA draft as the 39th overall pick by the Detroit Pistons. His early professional years were marked by limited playing time and a stint with the Fort Wayne Mad Ants in the NBA Development League.
The turning point arrived in July 2013, when a trade sent Middleton to the Milwaukee Bucks. This move allowed him to evolve into a premier '3-and-D' player. His scoring prowess reached new heights in January 2020, when he dropped a career-high 51 points against the Washington Wizards—a performance he dedicated to the late Kobe Bryant. By 2019, he had become the first player in history to transition from the G League to an NBA All-Star selection.
The pinnacle of his career arrived during the 2020–21 season. Middleton played a vital role in leading the Bucks to their first NBA championship since 1971, contributing crucial baskets in the Finals against the Phoenix Suns. That same summer, he expanded his trophy cabinet by winning a gold medal with Team USA at the 2021 Summer Olympics. Despite facing various injuries, including hamstring surgery in 2016 and knee sprains, Middleton has remained a consistent force in the league.
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