NBA insider reveals latest status of Khris Middleton's return to Bucks from injury ahead of training camp
Khris Middleton received bad news as the NBA season approaches. On Saturday, Yahoo! Sports Senior NBA Insider, Chris Haynes shared that Middleton won't participate in five-on-five action during training camp.
Haynes revealed that Middleton underwent procedures on both ankles in July. The insider stated Milwaukee is cautiously approaching his return.
According to Yahoo! Sports writer Dhani Joseph, the procedure was required to clean up damage.
Injuries have slowed Middleton's career. He was limited to 55 games in 2023. He only played 33 games in 2022.
Last season, the 33-year-old posted 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists. He played 27 minutes per game but only reached 35 minutes four times. During the playoffs, however, Middleton averaged 38.3 MPG in six games.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo out during the postseason, Middleton's stock rose. The three-time All-Star posted 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists in Milwaukee's series against the Indiana Pacers. Unfortunately, that wasn't enough to get the team past the Pacers.
The Bucks expect Middleton to play in their season opener against Philadelphia on Oct. 23.
Also read: PHOTO: Best man Khris Middleton, Jrue Holiday and Bucks center pose at Giannis Antetokounmpo's Greek wedding
The Bucks' front office says a healthy group with Khris Middleton and other stars would be unbeatable
There's much to like about Khris Middleton and the Bucks' 2021 NBA championship run. However, injuries have prevented the franchise from repeating that success. The team's assistant general manager, Milt Newton, believes a healthy Bucks squad would be unbeatable.
"With a healthy Dame, we didn’t have Giannis and a healthy Khris in the playoffs. We haven’t seen that. Yeah, I believe that when that happens we’ll be an unbeatable team."
The Bucks' All-Star trio hasn't logged a minute of playoff action together. Additionally, Middleton and Lillard struggle with day-to-day injuries, preventing them from being consistent regular season teammates.
One of Milwaukee's top goals this fall is to have their big three healthy and ready to compete, especially in the 2024 postseason.
Also read: "Khris Middleton is Michael Jordan": Heckler during Bucks-Pacers steals limelight as audio catches hilarious commentary