Milwaukee’s got a problem, folks. Khris Middleton, the Bucks’ sharpshooter, is sitting out the season opener against the Sixers. Yep, you heard it right.
Middleton’s Rehab Road
So, Middleton’s been on the mend after some offseason ankle surgeries. The Bucks are taking it slow with him, making sure he’s good to go before hitting the court again. He hasn’t even been in a full 5-on-5 practice yet, though he’s been doing some 3-on-3 action. Coach Doc Rivers mentioned that Middleton’s been limited in practice since last week. I think the Bucks are playing it smart here, but it’s gotta be tough not having him ready for the opener.
Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton is expected to miss Wednesdayโs season opener vs. the Philadelphia 76ers, sources tell ESPN. Middleton is out to start the NBA season as he rehabs from offseason ankle surgeries. Bucks are cautiously progressing Middleton toward a return.
โ Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania)
Prince Steps Up
With Middleton sidelined, Taurean Prince has been stepping into the starting lineup during the preseason. Middleton’s had a rough go with injuries, spraining his left ankle back in February against the Suns when he landed on KD’s foot. Ouch. That kept him out for 16 games, and the injury just wouldn’t quit. After the Bucks’ season wrapped up, he went under the knife to fix it.
Injury Bug Bites Again
Middleton’s been plagued by injuries, appearing in just 88 regular-season games over the past two years. It’s like he’s got a permanent spot on the injury report. During last year’s playoffs, he injured his right ankle against the Pacers but still balled out with 24.7 points per game. That’s some serious grit right there. But let’s be real, the guy’s been through the wringer: knee sprain, wrist surgery, more knee surgery. It’s like a bad episode of “House.”
Last season, despite all the setbacks, Middleton managed to put up solid numbers: 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game while shooting 49.3% from the field. Not too shabby for someone who’s been held together with duct tape and dreams.
Speaking of trades, did you catch that wild Curry rumor? Anyway, back to Middleton. The Bucks need him healthy if they’re gonna make a serious run this year. But here’s the million-dollar question: Can he stay on the court long enough to help them get there?
