Khris Middleton and Giannis Antetokounmpo will represent Team USA and Greece in the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China, and a potential head-to-head clash is a possibility. Middleton is the only Bucks player who witnessed Antetokounmpo’s meteoric rise from pre-draft unknown to 2019 MVP as they spent the previous six years together in Milwaukee. Therefore, there are no secrets between them, basketball-wise, and Middleton knows what to expect from the Greek Freak in case they face off at the World Cup this summer.
“We’re both alike,” Middleton said. “We’re not backing down from anything or anybody. I know he’s going to take that game very personally. I’m sure if he sees me on the fast break, he’s going to try to run me through the wall. And it’s the same for me. “Everybody knows the book [on how to guard him], but he’s an incredible player and he’s always trying to let you know he’s the best player. I don’t think people give him enough credit for how smart he is. If you try to take something away, he can still get to it and more.”
Antetokounmpo enjoyed success in the last few years and became one of the best players in the NBA, but Middleton also experienced a tremendous 2018-19 campaign. He made his first All-Star team in February while in July, Middleton signed a new five-year, $178 million contract with the Milwaukee Bucks. Khris’ high school jersey was retired, and he received a key to the city from the mayor of his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. The cherry on top was an invitation from Team USA to join the training camp and roster for the upcoming FIBA World Cup in China. Still, Middleton is not entirely satisfied yet, and he believes there is much more to come in the future.
Catch & shoot with @swipathefox, @hbarnes, @kylekuzma & @Khris22m following Training Camp practice #4! #USABMNT pic.twitter.com/CGlHz7X6za
— NBA (@NBA) August 8, 2019
“I’ve been raised to never have that feeling of being satisfied,” he said. “Keep striving for more. That’s just how I approach life every day: Find a new challenge and attack it.”
Last night @khris22m's jersey was retired at his high school alma mater, @portergaud!!
Congrats Khris!! pic.twitter.com/XtvUG2W8Gr
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 18, 2019
Middleton also spoke about his new contract with the Bucks, and how he feels about the organization.
“There was nothing to think about,” Middleton explained. “The Bucks knew that I thought about them as a big part of my family. They felt the same way about me. I let them know Milwaukee was where I wanted to be. I made sure that I got the security I wanted for myself and my family.”
