The latest report out of Milwaukee is both unsurprising and disturbing.
Khris Middleton, who had offseason surgery on both ankles, is not fully cleared for 5-on-5 action as the Bucks open training camp this week, reports Chris Haynes.
Sources: Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton (procedures on both ankles) has not been cleared for five-on-five action with training camp beginning Oct. 1. He is progressing nicely, but team is taking a cautious approach as he is expected to participate. most of camp activities. pic.twitter.com/e04WOux4os
– Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 28, 2024
This report is unclear, and it’s entirely possible that Middleton will be ready to go before the start of the season, although, as Haynes noted, Milwaukee will be cautious with his return.
Middleton, at the age of 33 and with these surgeries, is one of the reasons the Bucks championship window seems to be closing – this is must season. Last season Middleton averaged 15.1 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, often slowed by the ankle problems that limited him to 55 games and led to the offseason surgery. Milwaukee needs him to return closer to his 2022 All-Star form to make a run this year, serving as a third-shot creator in Doc Rivers’ system.
It can happen, maybe not at the beginning of the season, but it can happen. The Bucks are a team to watch though, if they stumble out of the gate and the pressure mounts, how will they react? Milwaukee can still be a title contender led by Giannis Antetokounmpo but they have no margin for error, everything has to come together right for the Bucks – including Middleton returning to All-Star form.
