Milwaukee Bucks wing Khris Middleton has missed the entire 2024-25 NBA season so far due to an ankle injury. In his absence, the Bucks, despite their slow start, are 11-10 and own the No. 5 seed in the Eastern Conference. Still, many in Milwaukee have anticipated Middleton’s return from injury. Luckily for them, Middleton’s return is reportedly imminent, with a concrete date announced for his season debut.
According to ESPN’s Bobby Marks, per Middleton’s agent Mike Lindeman, the 33-year-old is set to make his season debut on Friday on the road against the Boston Celtics.
Khris Middleton will make his season debut Friday against the Boston Celtics as the Milwaukee Bucks forward returns from offseason surgery on his ankles, his agent, Mike Lindeman, told ESPN’s Bobby Marks on Thursday.
The Bucks are currently 0-2 against the reigning champions this season. However, with Middleton set to return, the Bucks are in a solid position to avoid a season sweep.
Khris Middleton Date for Season Debut Announced
What Khris Middleton Brings to Milwaukee
Middleton played an essential role in Milwaukee’s championship run during the 2020-21 season. While his play has taken a step back due to injuries and age, Middleton is still a fantastic player. Last season, he averaged 15.1 points on 49.3% shooting as the team’s third option. Additionally, he averaged 4.7 rebounds and 5.3 assists per game. Middleton remains one of the NBA’s smartest defenders, which will help the Bucks out immensely.
One interesting storyline to follow upon Middleton’s return is what the Bucks do with the starting lineup. In Middleton’s absence, the Bucks have started Taurean Prince. Prince is having a solid season so far, shooting a league-leading 55.6% from the three-point line this season. However, there is no denying that Middleton is a better player. There is a world where the Bucks start both players, however, which seems like a real possibility. Regardless, this is a good problem for the Bucks to have as they aim to continue building off their solid run.
The Last Word On the Milwaukee Bucks
Many believe the Bucks’ championship window is closing. After winning it all in 2021, the Bucks have failed to even reach the conference finals in three consecutive seasons. Additionally, the team is getting older. While the Eastern Conference remains the inferior conference in the NBA, there is no denying the talent that exists within it. The Cleveland Cavaliers and the Celtics own the two best records in the entire NBA. Additionally, the Orlando Magic have played fantastic, earning the No. 3 seed even with Paolo Banchero currently sidelined. Not to mention the New York Knicks, who have started to figure things out.
Getting Middleton back will help the Bucks’ chances at a championship as long as he stays healthy. Middleton provides a lot of value on both sides of the court and is a great sidekick next to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The Bucks will likely ease Middleton in once he makes his season debut. Regardless, there is no denying the impact this will have on the Bucks right away and in the long run.
The post Khris Middleton Date for Season Debut Announced appeared first on Last Word On Basketball.