The Milwaukee Bucks are reeling after receiving word that leading scorer Khris Middleton will miss approximately six months due to a hamstring injury. In his first season as a Buck, Middleton played in all 82 games and averaged 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.1 assists per game. It’s not because Beasley can’t play or that his scoring instincts won’t be of use for a team that just lost its leading scorer; he returned from a stint in China to score in bushels for the Rockets past year, and all indications are that he was on his best behavior both before and after he signed on the cheap with Houston back in March (he’ll be paid just $1.4 million this season).
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Beasley was selected by the Miami Heat back in 2008 and has played for four different National Basketball Association teams, recording three separate stints in Miami including during the last of their recent Finals appearances in 2014. While playing for Shandong, Beasley tallied games of 48 and 49 points and was named MVP of the CBA All-Star Game for the second straight year after recording 63 points, 19 rebounds and 13 assists for the South team.
Middleton is a 6-foot-6 wing and averaged 18.2 points in 79 games (all starts) last season. There aren’t a lot of easy options without the Bucks giving up a valuable asset in return, so instead of a big shakeup, they’ve made a decision to go lower risk, lower reward before training camp begins next week.
“We’re excited to add a player with Michael’s skill set to our team”, Bucks general manager John Hammond said in a statement. It’s a devastating blow for the Bucks and any fantasy owners who drafted early, making Middleton a tough guy to target early in leagues without an IR spot. Also of note in the backcourt is the signing of point guard Matthew Dellavedova, who will figure prominently in the rotation.
Fantasy Impact Middleton has been a key cog in the Bucks rebuilding plans and him being hurt throws a major dent to begin this season.
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The Bucks announced the injury Wednesday. Middleton is expected to be a member of their core for a while, and the Bucks inked him to a five-year deal for roughly $70 million last summer.
