The Milwaukee Bucks most recent injury report lists Khris Middleton still on the injury recovery watch. While the star has not yet been cleared for full basketball participation, the Bucks may go through training camp and pre-season without their star. If caution is the main reason for keeping Middleton sitting for now, that is a good sign rather than bad.
Sources: Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton (procedures on both ankles) has not been cleared for five-on-five action with training camp commencing Oct. 1. He’s progressing nicely, but team is taking a cautious approach as he’s expected to take part in most of camp activities. pic.twitter.com/e04WOux4os
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 28, 2024
Bucks Injury Report Spells Caution For Khris Middleton
The Milwaukee Bucks and NBA insider Chris Haynes have reported that star forward Khris Middleton has yet to be cleared for five-on-five basketball play. The three-time All-Star remains in recovery mode following surgical procedures on both ankles this offseason. Training camp and pre-season games begin next week; however, as of right now, Middleton’s immediate status is up in the air. However, the Bucks expect him to be able to participate in basketball activities sooner rather than later.
Despite the organization’s decision not to clear him just yet, Middleton is said to be progressing nicely in his recovery. He suffered a left ankle sprain this past February but continued playing after the injury. He played in 18 games—regular and playoff—while hobbled. The bright spot here is that Milwaukee doesn’t play their first real game of the new season until October 23. They travel to Philadelphia for a matchup against the new-look 76ers on ESPN to open their season. So, that gives Middleton just over three weeks to complete his recovery and be cleared for action.
Middleton’s Recent Injury Resume
The last two NBA campaigns have not played out well for the former champion. The Bucks’ star wing laced his shoes up for only 88 games, averaging under 26 minutes per game. A fully healthy Middleton would surely exceed 30 minutes. Unfortunately, his ankles have burdened him greatly. Additionally, he required arthroscopic surgery on his right knee in 2023. The procedure followed Milwaukee’s first-round playoff exit against the Miami Heat. Like his right ankle, Middleton played games with that knee issue leading up to the playoffs before going under the knife later.
One could point to Middleton‘s recent physical issues as a factor in the Bucks’ less-than-spectacular seasons and playoff performances since they won the NBA championship in 2021. In their playing time together, he and Giannis Antetokounmpo have played reasonably well, making the postseason three times before Brook Lopez and Jrue Holiday turned up. When they were added into the mix in 2018 and 2020, a championship was finally within their grasp. Since then, Middleton has fallen prey to injury all too often.
The 33-year-old’s injury bug has come at the wrong time in his twelve-year career, as the Bucks are trying to make it work with Damian Lillard now in the fray.
The Next Three Weeks & Beyond
Middleton’s injury status seems more cautionary rather than detrimental. If his recovery progress is on track, the worst-case scenario is that he will be limited for training camp and other activities. However, it might be the safer course of action to give the veteran the three weeks before the season’s start and ease him into regular rotation minutes.
Regardless, Middleton is absolutely needed for Giannis, Lillard, and the Bucks to go anywhere this season. Last season was messy. The in-season coaching change resulting in Doc Rivers taking the helm was messy. The chemistry and new pairing of Giannis and Lillard were also, messy. Hopefully, an entire offseason, training camp, and pre-season under Rivers will help. Additionally, the feeling of continuity between the stars and Middleton’s soon-to-be health would also help. The Bucks can put themselves back in playoff contention and further, if health and availability are their friends.
