Khris Middleton Needs Strong Summer To Impress Detroit Pistons


Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

When he first came to the Detroit Pistons, Khris Middleton’s most unique aspect he brought to the team was the unusual way he spelled his first name.

However, Middleton now emerges as the third most valuable player behind a 2012 rookie class headed by Andre Drummond and Kyle Singler.

Middleton, especially with hs contractual obligations, has been able to secure more of a stable stop with the Pistons. It’s not that he has life-long security, far from it, especially in the NBA.

He was given the ball a lot late in the season and made the most of the opportunity. Middleton averaged 6.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game in his first season in the NBA.

The Pistons finished out the regular season strong and so did Middleton. In a 113-93 win over the Charlotte Bobcats, he played 26 minutes and shot 4-of-9 from the floor and 1-of-4 from the 3-point area while scoring 10 points; he dished out four assists and grabbed one rebound. The next game, the second to the last of the season, he played 16 minutes and shot 4-of-8 from the floor and scored 10 points. In the season finale, a 103-99 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, he shot 3-of-9 from the floor and 4-of-4 from the free throw line for 10 points; he added two steals, two assists and seven rebounds.

Middleton had one turnover per game in each of his last three outings, not a bad stat.

However, Middleton needs to keep delivering for Detroit. A busy summer will be critical.


Sign Up
for the

We Recommend

Partner with USA TODAY Sports Digital Properties