Khris Middleton, recently traded from the Milwaukee Bucks to the Washington Wizards, expressed his intention to contribute on the court and help the team win, not just serve as a mentor. Middleton has made it clear he’s not just with the Wizards to guide younger players but to actively contribute to the team’s success. The 33-year-old veteran, traded to the Wizards from the Bucks just before the trade deadline, shared his thoughts after Wednesday night’s practice. Despite being past his prime, Middleton is eager to continue competing and helping the team win games.
"I’m here to be a basketball player. I’m here to win games, here to help win games, whatever I can," Middleton explained. "I am going to be here as a mentor and whatnot, but I want Wizards fans to know I’m not here just to be a mentor. I’m here to be a basketball player and compete out there and help win games." Middleton was part of the February 5 trade exchange between the Bucks and Wizards, which saw him move to Washington for Kyle Kuzma.
This trade fits neatly within the Wizards’ broader rebuilding plans. Middleton's addition brings experience to the roster and is expected to provide leadership. The former NBA champion stands at 6 feet 7 inches tall and has averaged 12.6 points, 4.4 assists, and 3.7 rebounds this season, after dealing with significant injuries earlier.
His debut with the Wizards will be against his old team, the Bucks, on Friday night. This anticipated match-up serves as an exciting subplot for both Middleton and the Wizards, who have shown incremental improvement, recording a 3-4 record during February, even without several key players. Middleton's experience, alongside veterans like Marcus Smart, will be pivotal as the team balances developing young talent with maintaining their morale as they navigate the remainder of the season.
Adding another layer to the Bucks’ news, Milwaukee big man Bobby Portis has been suspended for 25 games following the NBA's findings of violating the league’s anti-drug policy. According to reports, Portis received the suspension for testing positive for Tramadol, the controversial pain medication. "I was dealing with an elbow injury and using an NBA-approved medication for pain and inflammation," Portis stated after the ruling. "During this time, I made an honest mistake and took a pain-reducing anti-inflammatory pill not approved by the NBA. I feel horrible and recognize I’m responsible for what I put in my body."
It’s undoubtedly a significant loss for Milwaukee as they compete for playoff positioning with only 29 games left in the regular season. The Bucks currently sit at fifth place within the Eastern Conference, sporting a record of 29-24. Portis has appeared in 46 games this season, contributing averages of 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds, and his recent performances had seen increased minutes—especially evident when star player Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined with calf issues.
Portis’s suspension will officially commence during the upcoming game against the Los Angeles Clippers. He had recently stepped up, producing 16.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.2 assists over the last five games before the All-Star break, showcasing his importance to the team’s performance.
The disclosure around Portis' suspension sparked conversations about player safety and the nuances of medication use within the league. Mark Bartelstein, CEO of Priority Sports & Entertainment, which manages Portis, explained the circumstances, stating Portis accidentally ingested Tramadol, thinking it was Toradol, which is permitted. "The Tramadol pill he took came from the assistant of his, with valid prescription," Bartelstein noted. This unfortunate turn of events serves as a reminder of the scrutiny players face concerning health management, especially when injuries are involved.
Bucks general manager Jon Horst affirmed the organization’s support for Portis during this challenging time. “We 100% support Bobby. Together we will take this opportunity to grow and will have a stronger Bobby and Milwaukee Bucks team,” he said. Portis’s role is viewed as integral to both the Bucks' lineup and to the Milwaukee community. The anticipation around how the team will adjust amid these changes is palpable as they gear up for the second half of the season.
While Middleton prepares for his first game with the Wizards, Portis must accept the consequences of his actions. The contrasting narratives of these players draw attention to the highs and lows of the NBA player experience, highlighting the importance of commitment, accountability, and the continuous strive for excellence—both on and off the court.