The Milwaukee Bucks were hoping to start this season’s training camp with a full roster, but they’ve already hit an early setback. Khris Middleton, one of the team’s key veterans, will not be ready for full participation as camp begins.
Middleton underwent surgery on both ankles during the offseason and has not yet been cleared to play in 5-on-5 situations ahead of next week’s camp.
While his recovery is reportedly progressing well, the Bucks are taking a cautious approach to ensure their star forward is fully healthy before returning to full-speed action.
This isn’t the first time the Bucks have had to manage Middleton’s availability. Over the last two seasons, the three-time All-Star has been limited to just 88 regular-season games.
Last year, he appeared in 55 games and posted averages of 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists, numbers below his career norms as he battled various injuries throughout the year.
Despite the up-and-down season, Middleton was the Bucks’ standout performer in their first-round playoff series loss to the Indiana Pacers, where he elevated his play to average 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over six games.
With Middleton now recovering from dual surgeries, Milwaukee will once again need to navigate his absence carefully, ensuring they don’t rush him back too soon.
The Bucks are entering a pivotal season, especially with their championship aspirations hinging on Middleton’s health and ability to contribute alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and newly acquired superstar Damian Lillard.
For now, Milwaukee will have to focus on managing his workload during the early part of training camp in hopes of getting him back to peak form when the regular season begins.
Khris Middleton Not Cleared For 5-On-5 After Ankle Surgeries https://t.co/ykggUp6gZz
— RealGM (@RealGM) September 28, 2024
