Middleton shook off a sluggish start to last season to fully justify the Bucks' decision to re-sign him to a five-year, $70 million contract the previous summer. The 25-year-old proved he wasn't merely just a complementary player, as he led the team with 18.2 points per game and chipped in averages of 4.2 assists, 3.8 rebounds, 1.8 three-pointers and 1.7 steals in 36.1 minutes per game. Middleton's ascending usage rate did come with a drop in his field goal percentage to a 44.4 percent mark and a jump in his turnovers (2.3 per game), but those are still passable figures for a player who gives the Bucks a lot on both ends of the court. Heading into training camp, it was expected that Middleton would reprise his role as the Bucks' top three-point shooter and one of their primary scoring threats, but those plans were foiled when he suffered a torn hamstring during a workout. After undergoing surgery in early October, Middleton is expected to miss six months, likely sidelining him for much of the season. While the Bucks are hopeful to get Middleton back in time for a potential playoff push, it's unlikely that he'll play enough games to justify a draft pick in single-season leagues. That said, he's still an integral part of the Bucks' long-term vision and is expected to take on a major role once he returns to full health, so it may be worthwhile to retain him in keeper formats.

The fourth-year guard turned fantasy heads last season, finishing a second consecutive strong season by helping lead Milwaukee back to the playoffs. Averaging 13.4 points, 2.3 assists, and 4.4 rebounds over 79 games played, the 6-7 Middleton continued to develop into one of the team's most dependable scoring threats. His game isn't flashy, but Middleton was a model of efficiency last season, shooting nearly 47 percent from the field and better than 40 percent from three. Considering how well he shot from the outside, his 3.4 attempts per game are a relatively low total. The Bucks hope to see that number rise in 2015-16. Despite inking Middleton to a five-year, $70 million deal this offseason, Milwaukee likely won't ask Middleton to carry a significantly heavier burden offensively. Middleton makes his living as a catch-and-shoot, three-and-D player, and with the young talent around him, that won't have to change. Although backup shooting guard O.J. Mayo enjoyed somewhat of a resurgence this past season and the Bucks selected Rashad Vaughn with their first-round pick, Middleton will enter the year as the clear-cut starter with ample fantasy upside. His versatility allows him to defend three positions, so he figures to rank among the team's leaders in minutes per game in what should be one of the league's deepest rotations.

Middleton enjoyed a productive first season in Milwaukee after coming over from Detroit in the Brandon Jennings-Brandon Knight swap. The second-year forward was the only Buck to play in all 82 games, averaging 12.1 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.1 assists in 30 minutes per game. Middleton flourished as the do-it-all forward for a Bucks team stricken with injuries for nearly the entire season. A natural small forward, Middleton played 23 percent of his minutes at shooting guard last season and even dabbled as a power forward in some lineups. He figures to play a similar role this season and could see even more time at shooting guard with the additions of small forwards Jabari Parker and Jared Dudley to the roster. However, even if he plays close to 30 minutes per game again, Middleton isn't an overly productive fantasy option. He shoots a middling percentage (44 FG%) for his position and has trouble creating his own looks. With that said, he flashed a much-improved outside stroke, raising his three-point percentage by more than 10 percentage points over his rookie year (from 31 to 41 percent). If he can carve out a role as a hard-nosed defender who can rebound and shoot the three efficiently, Middleton should again hold down a consistent rotation spot.

Middleton came to Milwaukee as part of the mid-summer Brandon Jennings deal. The team initially expressed interest in making him an integral part of the rotation, but the addition of Caron Butler will make finding minutes a bit more difficult.

Middleton was selected by the Pistons in the second round of the 2012 draft. He was the last player signed to the Pistons’ 15-man roster and could be in line for a D-League stint this year.