Amid the intense rivalry between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers lies a little-known friendship that has withstood the test of time, as well as the unbridled level of competition in the NBA.

Bucks veteran Khris Middleton has been mentoring Pacers stud Aaron Nesmith. Like Middleton, the 24-year-old Pacers small forward also hails from Charleston, South Carolina. In fact, both of them attended Porter-Gaud School in Charleston, which explains the deep-rooted bond between the pair.

Milwaukee Bucks News: Khris Middleton Vocal on Mentoring Aaron Nesmith

Dec 6, 2023; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) during practice day prior to the In-Season Tournament semi-finals at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

Middleton has come a very long way. He’s been through quite a lot in his career before becoming an NBA champion, and now that he’s reached the top, he’s more than willing to impart whatever knowledge he has to the next generation of players.

One of them is Aaron Nesmith, who is currently in his fourth season as a pro. Middleton recently revealed that he’s spent countless hours with his younger counterpart through the years as he’s done everything he can to help Nesmith with life in the NBA:

“All the summers that we spent together,” Middleton remembered, via Ben Steele of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “All the conversations that we’ve had about just playoff basketball and whatnot. It’s just fun to compete at a high stage with somebody that you’ve known since you were a kid.”

Apr 14, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) dribbles the ball while Atlanta Hawks guard Vit Krejci (27) defends in the first half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Middleton admitted that while it’s not exactly ideal that they’re on opposing teams at the moment, he remains extremely proud of what Nesmith has become:

“I’m proud to see him on this stage,” Middleton said. “Competing. Playing well, unfortunately, against us right now.

“This is what it’s about. Being a mentor at times. Going against somebody you’ve known for half your life. Proud of him. Want him to play well. Just not against us.”

Jan 3, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton (0) shoots the ball while Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) defends in the second half at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
For his part, Nesmith had nothing but good things to say about his mentor. It is clear that the 6-foot-5 forward is eternally grateful for everything Middleton has done for him:

“It’s hard to put into words,” Nesmith said after Game 2. “I’ve looked up to him for such a long time growing up. To be able to compete against him at the highest level, it’s such a great moment.

“I’ll remember this moment forever and my family will. So it’s great.”

You can be sure, however, that the friendship is temporarily set aside whenever these two teams go into battle on the basketball court. This is what we’ve seen in the first two games of this first-round series, and we expect more of the same the rest of the way.

Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at [email protected]. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.

Mayfield Sports Marketing

Call Mayfield Sports Marketing at 262-366-8188 to schedule Green Bay Packers players or alumni for your corporate appearance or product promotion.  Our booking agents will work on your behalf to get you the best price for your desired sports speaker. Mayfield Sports Marketing has earned a reputation of being the one to call for booking top athletes to speak at events and trade shows. To learn more about Packers players or alumni appearance cost and booking fee, please call us today. www.MayfieldSports.com.

Radtke Sports

Wisconsin Sports Heroics is proud partner with Radtke Sports to offer autographed memorabilia. Brett Favre, Rob Gronkowski, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and MORE Guaranteed Authentic Collectibles and Memorabilia including signed jerseys, photos, and more at www.RadtkeSports.com USE promo code: WSH for FREE SHIPPING on your purchase. Some restrictions may apply