Home/NBA

via Imago

via Imago

“Just understanding it’s part of the process,” Khris Middleton said after his team’s 110-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks. Despite being on a minutes restriction and coming off a long injury absence, Middleton kept his head high. His performance against the Hawks was below his usual standard, scoring just six points, with four assists and three rebounds. He was honest about his struggles, saying, “Tonight, you know, you got to own it. I was bad.” But he is resilient as he quickly turned the page, expressing confidence in his ability to one day bounce back stronger.

Even though his shooting percentages have dropped since his return—25.9% from the field and 25.0% from deep—he remains calm. The hooper’s recovery from bilateral ankle surgeries has been slow, but his mindset remains unwavering.

Okay, now that’s a lot from his on-court journey. Let’s take a moment to explore what makes Khris tick off the court.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Where is Khris Middleton from? About the Milwaukee Bucks star’s background

Khris Middleton, born James Khristian Middleton on August 12, 1991, in Charleston, South Carolina, is American by nationality. He was raised in a family full of support, love, and care, growing up with strong roots in South Carolina. His parents, James and Nichelle Middleton, are also American citizens.

 

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Khris Middleton (@k_mid22)

However, there is no clear public information about his ethnicity, so it’s safe to focus on his athletic journey. The hooper’s rise to become the NBA star wasn’t straight; it was slow and steady. And today, it all seemed worth it. So here’s how.

After the Detroit Pistons selected Middleton as the 39th overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft, his rookie season saw him mostly in the developmental league. But it was a year later that his career began to blossom, bringing all his talent out when he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. It was there that the hooper’s game truly began to change.

As years passed by, who knew that a strong partnership with Giannis Antetokounmpo would be formed? This partnership became one of the key contributors to the team’s success. Do you know he has earned three NBA All-Star selections?

Yes, he has. This cements his place as a top player. However, one of his most defining moments came during the 2021 NBA playoffs, when he played a pivotal role that helped the Bucks win their first title in 50 years. But, as a seasoned veteran, has he ever played in the Olympics? Let’s find out.

Has Khris Middleton represented the USA in the Olympics?

2018 was the year when Khris Middleton officially made it to the national team as part of the USA Men’s National Team. That year marked the start of something big in his career. There, he was someone who made an impact when it mattered most. The hooper continued his solid play the following year as part of the 2019 USA World Cup Team. Do not be surprised to know that he played in all eight games and averaged 9.9 points per game. His incredible free-throw shooting, which was 92.9%, became a trademark of his play.

The real international career break, however, came in 2021 during the Tokyo Olympics. The U.S. men’s basketball team, led by stars like Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, had a little spot for him. But one thing nobody saw coming was that he would play a major role in the gold medal match!

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

USA Today via Reuters

He averaged 5.8 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.7 assists per game, contributing both offensively and defensively. It wasn’t about the numbers, though! It was about stepping up when the pressure was on. Sounds similar to what Stephen Curry did in the finals of the 2024 Paris Olympics, right? However, can you imagine the feeling of competing for a gold medal on the world stage?

His gold medal win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was an answer to his professionalism and team-first mentality. Throughout the tournament, he showed his ability to be versatile and contribute in multiple ways, even when his scoring wasn’t the focus. What do you think it takes to stay calm under that kind of pressure?

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

For him, playing for Team USA wasn’t just about basketball; it was a dream come true. A chance to represent his country on the biggest stage and that opportunity fills one with pride. The experience in Tokyo not only boosted his legacy, but also gave him new perspectives on teamwork and leadership.

As his career continues, will Middleton represent the U.S. in the LA Olympics, 2028? What’s next for a player who’s already achieved so much?