Last Updated on August 7, 2026 by Mat Diekhake
Khris Middleton developed from a second-round draft pick into one of the NBA’s most dependable two-way wings, earning multiple All-Star selections along the way. Known for his smooth scoring, clutch shot-making, and steady leadership, he has been a key contributor to winning teams throughout his career.
Here’s a detailed profile of Khris Middleton:
Player Profile
- Full Name: James Khristian Middleton
- Nationality: American
- Age: Born August 12, 1991
- Hometown: Charleston, South Carolina, USA
- Height: 6 feet 7 inches (201 cm)
- Weight: 222 lbs (101 kg)
- Wingspan: 6 feet 11 inches (211cm)
- Shoe Size: 14 (US)
- Shoe Brand: Nike GT Cut 3, Nike GT Hustle 2, Nike Air Zoom GT Cut 2, Nike Kobe 6 Protro, Nike Kobe 5 Protro, Nike Air Force Max Low, Nike Hyperdunk X Low, Nike Hyperdunk 2017, Nike Zoom Live 2
- Jersey Number: 32 (Detroit Pistons), 22 (Milwaukee Bucks), 32 (Washington Wizards)
- Position: Small forward / Shooting guard
- High School and College:
- High School:
- Porter-Gaud School (Charleston, South Carolina)
- College:
- Texas A&M University (2009–2012)
- High School:
- NBA Draft:
- Drafted: 39th overall pick in the 2nd round of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Detroit Pistons
- Teams Played For:
- Detroit Pistons (2012–2013)
- Milwaukee Bucks (2013–2024)
- Washington Wizards (2024–2025)
- Championship Rings:
- NBA: 1 (2021 with the Milwaukee Bucks)
- Kids: Middleton has a daughter named Audrielle.
- Siblings: He has one older sister named Brittney Middleton.
Player Archetype / Play Style
Khris Middleton’s player archetype is that of a polished three-level scoring wing, a veteran shot-making forward who blends secondary playmaking, half-court shot creation, and steady two-way feel rather than explosive athleticism. At 6-foot-7 and 222 pounds, he has the size and strength to play either wing spot, shoot over smaller defenders, and absorb contact while operating at his own pace. Offensively, his role is built around mid-range creation, spot-up shooting, pick-and-roll playmaking, and late-clock shotmaking, which makes him especially useful as a complementary initiator next to more ball-dominant stars. Defensively, he is more of a smart positional wing defender than a pure stopper at this stage, using length, experience, and anticipation to stay functional within a team scheme. Altogether, Middleton plays like a seasoned connector-scorer whose value comes from shot versatility, calm decision-making, and the ability to give an offense structure without forcing the action. (NBA)
Scouting Report
Khris Middleton has always looked more interested in creating the shot he wants than taking the first one the defence offers, and that measured approach defines almost every possession he plays. The first thing you notice is how rarely he relies on speed to generate an advantage; instead, he uses footwork, shoulder turns and patient dribbles to force defenders onto the wrong hip before rising into one of the league’s cleaner mid-range jumpers or slipping a pass to a cutter once the help rotates. He fits naturally into actions where he can flow from a DHO into a pull-up, operate as the secondary pick-and-roll handler after an initial advantage has been created, or punish smaller defenders with controlled post seals that end in fadeaways or kick-outs rather than rushed attempts. It’s easy to overlook how many of his assists come from manipulating the weak-side defender with his eyes before delivering the ball a beat later than expected, giving teammates cleaner catch-and-shoot opportunities instead of simply making the obvious read. Defensively, he isn’t built to erase mistakes with recovery speed, but he understands angles, stays connected through off-ball screens and uses his length to bother wings trying to shoot over him, even if quicker guards can create separation when the matchup becomes purely about lateral movement. The trade-off is that his deliberate style can occasionally slow an offence if surrounded by players who also prefer to operate methodically, because he’s at his best when others are cutting, screening and relocating around his patient decision-making rather than waiting for him to manufacture everything in isolation. To me, his ideal role is as a half-court organiser who can alternate between scorer and facilitator depending on how the defence shifts, giving structure to possessions without dominating every touch. There are elements of Joe Johnson in the way he controls pace and hunts comfortable spots on the floor, while his blend of shot-making and understated playmaking also brings to mind Paul Pierce, particularly in how both players consistently turned seemingly balanced defensive possessions into quality offensive looks through timing rather than overwhelming physical tools.
Fun Facts
- A three-time NBA All-Star, Middleton played a crucial role in helping the Milwaukee Bucks secure the 2021 NBA Championship.
- Outside of basketball, he is involved in charities, focusing on education and supporting underprivileged communities.
Player Insights
Khris Middleton has only played 23 games so far this season and is currently on the injury report again. He’s on track to miss at least half of the season. That could be one of the reasons the Milwaukee Bucks decided to trade him at the deadline to the Washington Wizards for Kyle Kuzma. I was enjoying watching Middleton age in Milwaukee and was curious how long he could keep them in contention. However, I don’t blame the Bucks for getting younger. They were probably planning a move like that for a while and took the chance on the first decent player who presented themselves to them. The problem for the Bucks during the rest of the 2024-25 NBA Season is can Kuzma develop enough chemistry with the Bucks in time for the playoffs, or will the Bucks need to wait until 2025-26 before they can content again? With Giannis having injury problems himself, we might have to look ahead to next season. 2/13/2025
Sources:
NBA.com — Khris Middleton | Forward | Dallas Mavericks
NBA.com — Khris Middleton | Forward | Dallas Mavericks
NBA.com — Khris Middleton bio
NBA.com — Mavs-Lakers preview: Khris Middleton knows what it takes to win an NBA title
CBS Sports — Mavericks’ Khris Middleton: Heading to Dallas