Giannis Antetokounmpo and Jabari Parker have been the clear fantasy basketball stars for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, with rookie guard Malcolm Brogdon carrying some value recently. But a proverbial legit third cog is apparently close to a return, with multiple reports pointing to guard Khris Middleton making a return to the Bucks’ lineup in early to mid-February.
Middleton has yet to play this season, after suffering a torn left hamstring in September. He had been expected to miss six months, but a February return beats that timetable by a month as the Bucks try to make a push for a playoff spot. Middleton will be a welcome addition to Milwaukee’s rotation, but should he also be welcome on fantasy rosters?
Middleton averaged a career-high 18.2 points per game last season, along with 4.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds and 1.7 steals per game. That multi-category contribution obviously made him an impact player in fantasy, and Middleton’s value was also very good in leagues with shooting percentages as categories (44.4 percent from the floor, 88.8 percent from the line).
Middleton is likely to be on a minutes restriction when he returns, and last year’s production is unlikely to be repeated. But he could be ready to go without limits just in time for the fantasy playoffs, and that prospect is hard to ignore on the waiver wire.
You’ll need an IR spot, a deep bench, a disposable player on your roster or some combination of those things to add Middleton right now. But he is a great add-and-stash for those that are in good position to take a calculated risk in season-long leagues.
Khris Middleton ESPN Ownership: 17.7%
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