Former All-Star Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks is on the mend after undergoing offseason surgeries on both ankles. The 6-foot-7 forward has been dealing with lower-body issues for the past two seasons, and insiders report he hasn’t yet been cleared for five-on-five practice as the Bucks’ training camp approaches on October 1.
According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Middleton is making good progress but the team is exercising caution. He’s expected to participate in most training camp activities.
Read more: Milwaukee Bucks Star Had Surgery on Both Ankles This Offseason
Over the 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 seasons combined, Middleton played in just 88 of 164 games, posting averages of 15.1 points on efficient shooting splits of .471/.355/.865, along with 5.2 assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. This marked a decline from his performance in the previous years.
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During the span from 2018-2022, Middleton missed only about 5.2 games per season, averaging nearly 20 points and contributing significantly to the Bucks’ success, including their title run in 2021.
After a disappointing early postseason exit in 2023 against the Miami Heat, the Bucks made some changes, firing coach Mike Budenholzer and trading Jrue Holiday for All-Star guard Damian Lillard. They also extended contracts for Middleton and center Brook Lopez, both of whom have a history of injuries.
The Bucks wrapped up the 2023-2024 season with a 49-33 record but faced another early playoff exit, this time at the hands of the Indiana Pacers. The team’s struggles were exacerbated by injuries to superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
Despite the challenges, Middleton showed promise in the playoffs, averaging 24.7 points and contributing well in multiple areas during a six-game series.
This summer, the Bucks considered trading the now-36-year-old Lopez but ultimately decided to keep him. They’ve also added depth to their roster, signing veteran guard Gary Trent Jr. on a minimum deal to enhance their aging backcourt.
When at full strength, Milwaukee’s starting lineup of Lillard, Trent, Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lopez is formidable. With the additions of Taurean Prince and Delon Wright, combined with returning Sixth Man of the Year Bobby Portis, the Bucks are looking to bolster their bench and rebound from last season’s disappointments.