“There’s No Big 3, If Khris Middleton Ain’t Playing”: Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo Receive Stern Warning From Ex-NBA Champ

The Milwaukee Bucks became the talk of the NBA town after pulling off a blockbuster trade. The team roped in Damian Lillard, who was left hanging since July 2023. It’s worth the wait. The 7x NBA All-Star is all set to pair up with Giannis Antetokounmpo and realize his long-lasting championship dream. Notably, the Bucks’ odds at the championship skyrocketed to No.1 spot after the trade. However, a former NBA Champion doesn’t think the same as he pointed out a major issue regarding Khris Middleton.

As Lillard replaced Jrue Holiday in the Bucks’ roster, he took up the No.2 player of the team. Of course, the No.1 spot is reserved for the Greek Freak. Although Gilbert Arenas had a different look at Dame‘s role in the clutch moments of the game. And Middleton is widely considered to hold the No.3 spot. Considering the 32-year-old star’s availability, former Cleveland Cavalier player Channing Fyre issued a stern warning to the Bucks.

After Damian Lillard trade, Channing issues a stern warning to the Bucks

After the Damian Lillard trade, all eyes were on the Bucks team. In fact, fans on social media predicted the team to straight away win the championship. However, in a recent podcast, Channing Fyre pointed out the burning problem in the roster. Khris Middleton’s knee injury. The 6 ‘7 tall struggled with knee injury in the last season. He only played 33 games and also saw a dip in the average points compared to his previous seasons.

In the recent episode of Road Trippin’, Fyre addressed the knotty problem. He said, “What the f**k is up with Chris Middleton’s knee?… That’s huge.” He also signaled at the sinkhole in the Bucks line up. He added, “There ain’t no big three if Chris Middleton ain’t playing.” Following that, he stressed on the importance of the ‘third guy’ in a superstar franchise.

Moreover, he also justified his argument with a Denver Nuggets example. He referred to the defending champions’ Aaron Gordan as the ‘third guy’ in the roster to help them with the championship.

Read More: How Long Has Damian Lillard Been in the NBA? Looking at Bucks Guard’s NBA Career Ahead of 1st Year Outside of Portland

In the words of Channing, the Bucks are in trouble if Middleton misses out.

What’s the update on Khris Middleton’s knee injury?

Middleton had a knee surgery in June and he was expected to recover in July. However, a recent report revealed that the star could miss out on the team’s opening game against the Philadelphia 76ers.

The Athletic’s Eric Nehm considered Middleton’s availability for the opener uncertain. However, a CBS article reported that star could play in the opener.

On the other hand, fans can have the first look of Damian Lillard in the Bucks color in the team preseason opening game against the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.

Watch This Story: “Don’t Know How You Handle That”: After Joining Forces With Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard Sends Warning to the Rest of the NBA

Will Middleton’s absence play a huge role in the Bucks’ success? Let us know in the comments.