The Dallas Mavericks may be among the most disappointing teams of this season. After incredibly high hopes that general manager Nico Harrison sold to the fan base in a post-Luka Dončić franchise, it all fell apart relatively quickly. Now, they are among the worst teams in the NBA, with Cooper Flagg remaining their lone silver lining.
With Anthony Davis already traded, this season hasn’t been one to hang their hats on. However, for head coach Jason Kidd, the year has brought a unique reunion that not many could have seen coming. That is in the form of former Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton.
Jason Kidd Reuniting With Khris Middleton
For years, Giannis Antetokounmpo has credited much of his success in the league to the teachings of Kidd, who coached the Bucks during the early part of his career. As a result, the Greek Freak went on to win two MVPs, a Defensive Player of the Year award, and the franchise’s first championship in over 50 years.
During that entire run of dominance, though, the one thing that remained constant was his co-star. Middleton offered him a perimeter threat in a similar mold to Kobe Bryant on the Shaquille O’Neal-led Los Angeles Lakers, earning three All-Star nods in the process.
But, with the pairing failing to go past the second round since 2021, the organization decided to make a few tweaks. As a result, Middleton was shipped out in exchange for Kyle Kuzma, before making his way to Dallas in the trade for AD.
Now that he’s back with his former coach, it remains to be seen whether the veteran will remain on the Mavericks’ roster or enter the buyout market, with a chance to join a playoff team in hopes of contributing to a run.
Kidd, during a session with the media, was asked about having him in the locker room again, and he responded with his trademark humor almost immediately. Calling it “terrible,” he had the entire room laughing before giving his honest response.
“Playing through him, he’s a vet. I’ve been with him early in his journey. He’s a champion, he’s a pro, comes to work, does his job, understanding he can help us with his voice, not just his play.”
As a Swiss-Army knife small forward in his own right, the obvious help that Middleton could offer the Mavericks is aiding the development of their superstar prospect. “I’ve been talking to him a lot about how he can help Coop,” Kidd added. “Just looking at his knowledge and understanding of the game, so it’s been great working with Khris.”
However, even with the nostalgia element, there remains legitimate doubt about his future with the franchise. According to the latest from Marc Stein, “Khris Middleton just told
@TheSteinLine he is still weighing his options in advance of Sunday’s deadline to pursue a contract buyout…deciding whether to finish the season in Dallas or join a playoff team.”
Averaging a tick under 12 points per game this season, he’s been used in a limited capacity with just 22 minutes of action per game. But this is a player who averaged over 20 points per game just three seasons ago, though injuries limited his playing time.
On a potential contender, his experience, shot-making, and clutchness could be a major factor.
