Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo hits Khris Middleton with a turtle roast

Chris Middleton has experienced a host of injury problems over the past few years, and Milwaukee Bucks were much worse because of those injury problems. To begin this season, Middleton missed some time after undergoing surgery on both ankles to alleviate the pain he was experiencing, and so far Bucks handled his businesseven deciding to put him back on the bench just so he could play in as many games as possible.

Middleton, now 33, is clearly experiencing some athletic decline. But Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpowho has had quite a close relationship with Middleton over the years, rubbed in more salt to his teammate’s wounds saying he was never the most athletic.

“Khris has never jumped high. We have to (move fast when Khris is on the floor). It’s like overcompensating. Because he moves like a turtle,” Antetokounmpo told reporters via the Bucks’ official account on X (formerly Twitter). “We know Chris won’t move that fast.” You know, when he tries to move fast, he’s a little faster than a turtle. So we just have to do that extra work for him.”

Indeed, Middleton never stood out in the NBA as the most athletically gifted player. He’s always been a little down to earth, and he’s very deliberate in the way he handles the ball and runs the Bucks offense. But Antetokounmpo didn’t have to do it that way.

Of course, Antetokounmpo is just kidding, because he has nothing but love for Middleton, especially when he’s spent his entire career with the 33-year-old forward, at least so far. And at this moment, The Bucks may want to keep Middleton despite all the trade rumorsjust to make Antetokounmpo as comfortable as possible in the team.

Will Khris Middleton be back for the Bucks soon?

The Bucks, since winning the NBA Cup in December, haven’t quite made it to powerhouse status. Khris Middleton, in particular, continues to deal with some joint pain, necessitating a move to the bench. But what makes the Bucks a bit of a sleeping giant is that Middleton showed in the 2024 NBA playoffs that he can still turn it on when the Bucks need him.

This makes keeping Middleton healthy one of the Bucks’ highest priorities; he may not be his best athletic self anymore, but he can still play hoops.