Fansided

NBA Playoffs 2017: 5 biggest x-factors

By Brandon Jefferson

March 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
March 6, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Boston Celtics guard Avery Bradley (0) grabs a rebound against the Los Angeles Clippers during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Middleton
Mar 28, 2017; Charlotte, NC, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton (22) shoots a three point shot against Charlotte Hornets forward Marvin Williams (2) in the second half at Spectrum Center. The Bucks defeated the Hornets 118-108. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Khris Middleton

Originally believed to be out for the entire season with a hamstring injury suffered in the offseason, Khris Middleton couldn’t have returned at a better time for the Milwaukee Bucks. Middleton played in 29 games this season, but it was during his first game back that fellow teammate Jabari Parker was lost for the year.

Prior to losing Parker the Bucks scored 105.3 points per game, shot 47.5 percent from the field and 36. 8 percent on 3-pointers and had a win percentage of .440. With Middleton added back in those numbers were 101.1 points per game, 47.2 field goal percentage, 37.2 3-point percentage and a win percentage of .625. Despite the points dropping down, Milwaukee transformed from a lottery-bound team to a playoff threat.

While a lot of hope surrounding the Bucks franchise has been placed on the backs of Parker and Giannis “First Person to Finish Top-20 in Points, Rebounds, Assists, Blocks, and Steals in One Season” Antetokounmpo, but Middleton’s role with this group can’t be overlooked.

Out of that trio, he’s easily the best shooter and has a reasonable argument to be called the best defender as well.

However, Middleton is more than just a role player. When he’s healthy he has quietly put up superstar worthy numbers. The Raptors will have their hands full trying to stop Antetokounmpo, but they can’t make Middleton an afterthought. He’s comfortable playing with the ball in his hands and has the length to get good looks off over most defenders.

With just a shade under 30 games to his name, Middleton should be preped to make a bigger impact in the playoffs. He and Antetokounmpo will be spearheading the Bucks charge against Toronto and just thinking about a potential Giannis vs. LeBron series makes me smile.

Next: NBA Playoffs 2017: Power ranking all 16 playff teams

But to get there Milwaukee is going to need Middleton to play like he has the capability to. Anything short of All-Star level production out of the swingman means we’ll have to wait until this time next year to start fantasizing about the Milwaukee’s impending takeover of the Eastern Conference.