Middleton had surgery on both of his ankles in the off-season after suffering injuries to them last season
With training camp just a few days away, one of the Milwaukee Bucks’ big three hasn’t been cleared for full action yet. In a report from NBA insider Chris Haynes, forward Khris Middleton has still not been given the ok to partake in five-on-five action heading into the start of training camp on October 1. It’s all part of an effort by Milwaukee to take the cautious approach and to avoid any complications with either one of his ankles. Haynes also reported that Middleton will participate in most activities during camp, just not a full five-on-five yet.
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
On July 17, ESPN’s Jamal Collier reported that Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles this offseason. Middleton injured both his during the 2023–24 season, limiting him to 55 games. Despite the lost time, Middleton still put up a quality season as the third option to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, with averages of 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds.
The 33-year-old former All-Star injured his left ankle against the Phoenix Suns back in February by landing on Kevin Durant’s foot after a shot attempt. At the time, Middleton called it the worst sprain of his career and dealt with it throughout the rest of the season. In the first round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, he injured his right ankle in game two, but still played in all six games and put up solid numbers of 24.7 points per game, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists. After the season wrapped up for the Bucks in May, Middleton had surgery on his left ankle, then the procedure on his right ankle a few weeks later in June.
With Media Day tomorrow, we’ll update you with any further clarity on Middleton’s status as the preseason begins a week from today.