Report: Khris Middleton cleared to play, but still ramping up

Middleton has increased on-court activity in recent weeks 

Per ESPN’s Shams Charania, Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton is reported to have been medically cleared to play “for a period of time,” but is still working to reach a level of conditioning and comfortability that would allow him to make his season debut.

After the team initially said they expected Middleton to play on opening night, Khris has yet suit up this season and hasn’t progressed to five-on-five action. With that said, he has reportedly participated in three-on-three scrimmages. As a reminder, he underwent a pair of arthroscopic surgeries on both of his ankles last summer to clean up some lingering issues (he sprained his left ankle when Kevin Durant cut under his landing space during a tilt against Phoenix in February and the right ankle was tweaked during the Pacers series).

The team is said to be supportive of Middleton and whatever strategy is taken to get him back healthy. However, the star’s absence has lingered longer than the organisation had initially expected it would. Timing will be interesting as the team puts a premium on Middleton’s having a chance to actually take part in full practice before jumping into regular season play. With Milwaukee currently in the midst of a lighter part of their schedule, a Middleton return could help assure some wins and assist in a climb back up the Eastern Conference standings.

Doc Rivers spoke about the situation before Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls.

“He’s looked good. He’s working his butt off. Listen, I think he’s close. And he’s just going to keep working. This is the best I’ve seen him, I will say that.”

We’ll keep an eye out for further updates!