Former NBA player Eddie Johnson voiced concern over the Milwaukee Bucks’ fortunes, citing Khris Middleton’s absence as a significant setback.
Johnson highlighted the Bucks’ heavy reliance on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard for offensive firepower. With Middleton sidelined, Johnson warns of potential early playoff elimination for the Bucks.
“I think they’re in trouble,” Johnson said on SiriusXM NBA Radio. “I think they’re in serious trouble based on the trades that they made and now being able to cover for him. It’s just not working. They need Khris Middleton. Khris Middleton is their savior. If he can’t come back, they can honestly get beaten in the first round.
“And trust me, I picked Milwaukee to have the best record in the East this year. I picked Milwaukee to possible get out of the East. So I’m not being a hypocrite here. I’m going against what I said. So I’m admitting that I was probably wrong in this scenario.
“But they’re going to have to find some way somehow to get some more offense on the floor for them because Dame and Giannis are not going to beat teams by themselves.”
Middleton, who has been out for over a month with an ankle injury, is averaging 14.8 points, 4.3 rebounds and 5 assists in 26.3 minutes per game this season.
Milwaukee is currently second in the Eastern Conference with 43 wins and 24 losses.
