Milwaukee Bucks: Top 5 defensive players in 2018-19

MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 26: Malcolm Brogdon #13 and Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks celebrate in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics during Game Six of Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at the Bradley Center on April 26, 2018 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – APRIL 28: Khris Middleton #22 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics in Game Seven in Round One of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on April 28, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

4. Khris Middleton

Khris Middleton isn’t quite the defensive player he used to be and that’s probably for the best. Before Middleton’s emerging offensive game, he relied on knocking down outside shots and playing tough defense in order to make his mark on games. Now that he’s advanced offensively, he needs to conserve a little energy on the other end of the floor.

Even if Middleton isn’t giving 110 percent on defense, he’s still one of the Bucks’ better defenders. At 6-foot-8, Middleton can guard two or three positions on the floor and do an adequate job. That’s a huge asset in today’s pick-and-roll heavy offense that likes to take advantage of any and all mismatches.

Middleton will likely continue to conserve energy on defense in 2018, but the potential to pick it up is always there. He’ll continue to defend the opposing team’s second-best wings well his teammates pick up the slack. Look for Middleton to only turn it on in the biggest of games.

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