X/@BucksRealm
If you asked the majority of the population, there would be hardly any debate whether Kerris Middleister should get his jersey retired by the Bucks. The three-time All Star and 2021 NBA champion has made his way in the city of Wisconsin, and the majority of the fanbase agrees that the No. 22 ought to be hanging from the rafters.
Advertisement
BucksRealm set this discussion firing with a simple question: “True or False: Khris Middleton gets his jersey retired in Milwaukee.” It received an instantaneous and emphatic response, with fans, analysts, and even opposition joining in! They’re all convinced that Middleton is unquestionably going to become a retiree.
“Guys on the Mount Rushmore of Bucks IMO…can’t wait for the day his number goes up there,” wrote a user, and many echoed this sentiment. Another said, “He scored 40 in a Finals game. Build him a statue right next to Giannis.”
The whole transition of the life of Middleton-from being any G-League prospect to the big franchise face-makes the case for him. “G league to All-Star & champion should get him some votes for HOF too,” one person stated. His contribution to the Bucks’ 2021 title run was massive, and in the playoffs, the majority were his clutch moments with the greatest amongst them being that iconic 40-point outing in Game 4 of the Finals.
Another part of the conversation was centered around how Middleton’s legacy interacts with other great Bucks. Some think his jersey should be hung along the lines of Michael Redd, while others wonder how the franchise will address several players having their jerseys retired with the same number (such as Ray Allen and Giannis Antetokounmpo both having number 34).
There were hardly any dissenters, though. Some doubted whether his resume was truly worthy of the accolade, with one saying it plainly, “Absolutely not this is crazy lol.” Those few dissenting voices faded away, however, since the large majority—which included even some rival fans—were supporting the cause. An Indianar player even said, “Pacers fan here…Absolutely should. That guy was a thorn in my side and was such a pain in the ass. Criminally underrated player.”
Best idea so far: “He needs a statue of him sweating in the facility sauna,” presumably a reference to Middleton’s near-mythic work ethic.”
One of the reasons why Middleton’s case is so strong is that essentially in that recent golden era of the Bucks, he is one of the franchise’s very identities. One fan hit the nail exactly on the head: “If anybody else wore 22 for the Bucks – would it feel weird? The answer is yes! So number should be retired.”
With Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s No. 34 surely being retired right after he hangs it up, it really seems like Middleton’s 22 is going down with him. The only real question is when, not if. Having gone through many lean years, Middleton is the kind of homegrown success story that hardly ever appears for a franchise. The sight of his jersey hanging above the rafters would be a permanent reminder for the franchise and city of what loyalty, player development, and clutch production need to get brought together.
Advertisement
While the question was posed as one of true or false, a Bucks faithful has given an answer: True, true, and more than overdue.
You can view the original article HERE.
