In a significant step forward in his recovery, Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton participated in his first set of full 5-on-5 scrimmages on Monday since undergoing offseason surgeries on both of his ankles, league sources told ESPN. The three-time All-Star’s return appears to be on the horizon, with the Bucks hopeful he can make his season debut sometime after Thanksgiving.
Middleton’s activity level has steadily increased in recent weeks as he works to regain his form and conditioning. The 6-foot-7 wing had consistently taken part in 3-on-3 scrimmages as part of his rehab process, but Monday marked a notable milestone as he played full-court 5-on-5 for the first time.
While an exact return date has not been set, Middleton is making positive strides and is feeling good physically, per sources. The Bucks are optimistic their second-leading scorer and veteran leader can rejoin the lineup in the near future, perhaps in early December if he continues progressing without setbacks.
Middleton’s Importance to the Bucks
Getting Middleton back in uniform will provide a major boost for a Milwaukee squad that has stumbled to a lackluster 5-9 start while playing without their star forward. Middleton’s diverse skill set and shot creation are vital to the Bucks’ offensive attack, and his presence helps alleviate the immense workload on Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s shoulders.
He’s such an important part of what we do, on both ends of the floor. Having Khris back will make things a lot easier for everyone.
– A Bucks teammate on Middleton’s impending return
Over the past two seasons, Middleton appeared in just 88 of a possible 154 regular-season games due to various injuries, including a left wrist issue that required surgery last summer. Still, the two-way wing averaged a solid 15.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds while shooting 49% in the 20 games he suited up for in 2022-23.
Bucks’ Title Hopes Hinge on Health
Milwaukee’s sluggish start has raised concerns about whether they can regain their status as a championship frontrunner, but those around the league still view the Bucks as a formidable force when Antetokounmpo and Middleton are operating at full strength together. The duo led Milwaukee to its first title in 50 years in 2021 and helped the club post the NBA’s best record last season before Middleton went down.
- With Middleton sidelined, the Bucks came up short against the Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game second-round playoff series last spring.
- Milwaukee is banking on its star trio of Antetokounmpo, Middleton, and Jrue Holiday to lead a resurgence in the wide-open East race once they’re reunited.
At age 33, it remains to be seen if Middleton can immediately regain his All-Star form, but his long-awaited return should eventually help stabilize Milwaukee’s struggling offense and provide a jolt to a team with championship aspirations. For the Bucks to make another deep playoff run, they’ll need their sharpshooting wing back in the mix and firing on all cylinders.
