“He Moves Like A Turtle”: Giannis Antetokounmpo ‘Goes At’ Khris Middleton For Slowing Down Following Injuries

The Milwaukee Bucks won their fourth straight game on Sunday, beating the Philadelphia 76ers 123-109. Giannis Antetokounmpo and company are now 7-1 over their last eight games. And a big part of their recent surge has been the return of Khris Middleton, who came off the bench against Philly, dropping 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists. While his contributions were essential in the home win, Giannis used the locker room interview to joke about Middleton’s athleticism.

“It feels like whenever he’s on the floor, you guys move as a team,” a reporter prompted Antetokounmpo.

The Greek Freak let out a cheeky smile before responding, “We have to. It’s like overcompensating because he moves like a turtle. And we have to move faster for him, you know?”

The two-time MVP added: “It’s just a habit that we’ve formed as team. We know Khris is not gonna move as fast and when he’s trying to move fast, he’s a little bit faster than a turtle. So, we just have to, you know, kind of do the extra work for him, you know? Khris knows. He knows.”

Jokes apart, Middleton was sidelined with injury for much of this season. But even during his All-Star years, he was never known for his burst of speed. In fact, his current average speed of 4.24 miles per hour is quicker than his average speed during the 2019-20 season.

Antetokounmpo added that giving each other a hard time is very much part of his great relationship with Middleton. After all, the two have been teammates in Milwaukee for over a decade, weathering several highs and lows together.

Antetokounmpo and Middleton have been on a journey together

Since 2013, Middleton and Giannis have remained staples in Milwaukee’s roster. They developed their game together and became All-Stars. In 2021, they led the franchise to its first championship in 50 years.

In 2023, when Khris became the fifth-highest scorer in franchise history, his friend and teammate reflected on the incredible journey they have shared.

“It’s incredible. From where we started and where we are right now, it’s been a great journey. I’ve been with this guy for 11 years, I don’t think anybody expected [us] to be in this position that we are today. He’s No. 5 now? He’s probably going to be No. 2. I don’t know if he’s going be No. 1,” Antetokounmpo had said.

Since then, Middleton has jumped from the fifth to the third spot, trailing Giannis and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the franchise’s all-time scoring chart. He is second in games played for the franchise, third in assists, fifth in steals, and seventh in rebounds. That’s enough legacy to ensure the #22 jersey gets raised to the rafters after Middleton retires.

Another championship could even push the three-time All-Star into Hall of Fame conversations. Even without an explosive first step, he remains a potent offensive option for Doc Rivers.

With Middleton and Bobby Portis coming off the bench, the Bucks’ second unit has benefitted from the veteran wing’s leadership and playmaking ability.