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Khris Middleton Gets Real On Similarities Between Wizards, Bucks

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Gerard Angelo Samillano | Last updated Mar 29, 2025 11:31 AM ET

Khris Middleton saw a major change in his scenery in the last few months. When he started the year, he was a part of a playoff contender with the Milwaukee Bucks, albeit with less playing time due to injury. Fast forward to the end of March, and Middleton now finds himself mentoring the last-place Washington Wizards as the season comes to a close.

The two teams couldn't be further apart today: Milwaukee has championship aspirations this season, while Washington is busy scouting the 2025 draft class. Despite that, though, Middleton sees some similarities between the Wizards and the Bucks, particularly during his early stint with the latter team.

"It’s something similar to this," Middleton told Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. "We were a young team that was able to build our way into a championship. We saw what it took and knew how hard it was to literally start in last place and finish as the No. 1 team. I’ll remember that road and what it took along that journey, and hopefully, I can help these guys with that journey."

Middleton joined the Bucks in 2013, and they were similar to the Wizards of today. It was Giannis Antetoukounmpo's first season in the NBA, and the Bucks were the worst team in the league. In fact, the Bucks went 15-67 that season, winning fewer games than Washington this season.

Over time, though, the Bucks gradually improved. Middleton developed into an elite complementary option to the growing force that was Giannis. Eventually, Middleton and Antetokounmpo won a championship together in 2021. That is the blueprint that the Wizards want to follow.

It's not a guarantee that any of the Wizards' young players develop into an all-time great like Giannis. However, Middleton knows more than anyone how much hard work is needed to be great in the league. He was a second-round pick who became a three-time All-Star and an NBA champion by continually working on his game. His guidance will hopefully help the baby Wizards develop into great players in the league.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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