The Milwaukee Bucks have been anxiously awaiting the return of their All-Star forward Khris Middleton, who has yet to make his season debut after undergoing double ankle surgeries in the offseason. According to sources close to the situation, Middleton has been medically cleared to play for some time now, but is still working diligently to feel physically and mentally prepared before stepping back onto the court.
Over the past several weeks, the 33-year-old has steadily increased his on-court activity and has consistently engaged in 3-on-3 play. While this progress is undoubtedly encouraging for the Bucks organization and fans alike, Middleton’s absence has stretched on significantly longer than initially anticipated.
Coach Doc Rivers Optimistic About Middleton’s Progress
Since taking over as head coach of the Bucks on January 29th, Doc Rivers has only had the opportunity to coach Middleton for a mere 15 regular-season games. The highly-anticipated trio of Middleton, two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, and newly-acquired superstar Damian Lillard have shared the court for just seven games under Rivers’ guidance.
Despite the limited action, Coach Rivers remains optimistic about Middleton’s recovery and impending return. In a recent statement, Rivers praised the veteran forward’s work ethic and determination, saying, “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.”
Bucks Remain Supportive and Hopeful
As Middleton continues to ramp up his activity and work towards feeling like his best self on the court, the Bucks organization has maintained a supportive and patient approach. The team recognizes the importance of Middleton’s health and confidence in his ability to perform at a high level upon his return.
While the Bucks are hopeful that Middleton will participate in some 5-on-5 scrimmages before making his official return to game action, the ultimate decision will be based on when he feels fully prepared, both physically and mentally.
“I feel good, just not good enough to play—that’s all,” Middleton told reporters near the end of October.
Khris Middleton on his recovery progress
Middleton’s Importance to the Bucks’ Success
Khris Middleton’s impact on the Milwaukee Bucks cannot be overstated. A three-time All-Star, 2021 NBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist, Middleton has been a key component of the Bucks’ success in recent years. Unfortunately, injuries have limited him to just 88 regular-season games since the start of the 2022-23 season.
Despite the setbacks, Middleton has remained a productive player when healthy, and the Bucks firmly believe that his return can be a game-changer for the team, especially after their underwhelming 5-9 start to the season.
In his last full season, Middleton averaged an impressive 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field. His versatility, leadership, and ability to create for himself and his teammates have been sorely missed in the Bucks’ lineup.
The Road Ahead for the Bucks
As the Milwaukee Bucks continue to navigate the early portion of the season without their All-Star forward, the team remains focused on improving their record and building chemistry among their new-look roster. The additions of Damian Lillard and head coach Doc Rivers have brought excitement and expectations to the franchise, but the team has yet to fully hit their stride.
With Khris Middleton edging closer to his long-awaited return, the Bucks are hoping that his presence will provide a much-needed boost on both ends of the court. As one of the NBA’s most well-rounded players, Middleton’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend at a high level will be instrumental in helping the Bucks reach their full potential.
For now, Bucks fans will have to remain patient as Middleton continues to work his way back into game shape. While the exact date of his return remains uncertain, the organization and its supporters are eagerly anticipating the moment when their championship core of Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard can finally take the court together under the guidance of Coach Doc Rivers.
As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on the Milwaukee Bucks and the impending return of Khris Middleton. With the team’s sights set on another championship run, Middleton’s presence could very well be the key to unlocking their full potential and solidifying their place among the league’s elite.
Despite the limited action, Coach Rivers remains optimistic about Middleton’s recovery and impending return. In a recent statement, Rivers praised the veteran forward’s work ethic and determination, saying, “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.”
Bucks Remain Supportive and Hopeful
As Middleton continues to ramp up his activity and work towards feeling like his best self on the court, the Bucks organization has maintained a supportive and patient approach. The team recognizes the importance of Middleton’s health and confidence in his ability to perform at a high level upon his return.
While the Bucks are hopeful that Middleton will participate in some 5-on-5 scrimmages before making his official return to game action, the ultimate decision will be based on when he feels fully prepared, both physically and mentally.
“I feel good, just not good enough to play—that’s all,” Middleton told reporters near the end of October.
Khris Middleton on his recovery progress
Middleton’s Importance to the Bucks’ Success
Khris Middleton’s impact on the Milwaukee Bucks cannot be overstated. A three-time All-Star, 2021 NBA champion, and Olympic gold medalist, Middleton has been a key component of the Bucks’ success in recent years. Unfortunately, injuries have limited him to just 88 regular-season games since the start of the 2022-23 season.
Despite the setbacks, Middleton has remained a productive player when healthy, and the Bucks firmly believe that his return can be a game-changer for the team, especially after their underwhelming 5-9 start to the season.
In his last full season, Middleton averaged an impressive 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game while shooting 49% from the field. His versatility, leadership, and ability to create for himself and his teammates have been sorely missed in the Bucks’ lineup.
The Road Ahead for the Bucks
As the Milwaukee Bucks continue to navigate the early portion of the season without their All-Star forward, the team remains focused on improving their record and building chemistry among their new-look roster. The additions of Damian Lillard and head coach Doc Rivers have brought excitement and expectations to the franchise, but the team has yet to fully hit their stride.
With Khris Middleton edging closer to his long-awaited return, the Bucks are hoping that his presence will provide a much-needed boost on both ends of the court. As one of the NBA’s most well-rounded players, Middleton’s ability to score, facilitate, and defend at a high level will be instrumental in helping the Bucks reach their full potential.
For now, Bucks fans will have to remain patient as Middleton continues to work his way back into game shape. While the exact date of his return remains uncertain, the organization and its supporters are eagerly anticipating the moment when their championship core of Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard can finally take the court together under the guidance of Coach Doc Rivers.
As the NBA season progresses, all eyes will be on the Milwaukee Bucks and the impending return of Khris Middleton. With the team’s sights set on another championship run, Middleton’s presence could very well be the key to unlocking their full potential and solidifying their place among the league’s elite.
