The rise of Khris Middleton into all-star status didn't come overnight. Apart from his individual efforts, it also came from direct and honest communication with the Milwaukee Bucks coaching staff.
When Mike Budenholzer stepped into the head coaching role, he quickly voiced out what he wanted from Middleton: less iso-ball and eliminate the mid-range game. Though these were Middleton's bread and butter, he respected Budenholzer for telling him the truth:
“He told me he wanted me to take on a bit of a lesser role, be a team player and not rely on so many tough shots,” recalls Middleton, per Chris Ballard of Sports Illustrated. “And when a coach tells you that the first time you’re meeting them, I feel like you can’t do nothing but respect that. Instead of B.S.’ing me and telling me everything I want to hear, which a lot of people tend to do, I’d rather hear the straight truth, whether it’s good or bad.”
However, the change didn't immediately turn in great results. Middleton struggled early on to fit into the new system. Not only did his shot percentage drop, but his minutes dwindled. And Budenholzer, the 2015 Coach of the Year, talked to him in December. He was aware that Middleton struggled to fit in and inserted plays especially for him.
“I realized I have to meet him, if not halfway, then at least 80%.”
And the results were great. Middleton was named into the All-Star team for the first time. Budenholzer, meanwhile, is to win his second coach of the year award. The Bucks as a whole is poised for a title run.
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