Bucks head coach Doc Rivers revealed on ESPN’s Summer League broadcast that Khris Middleton underwent surgery this summer. Shams Charania and Eric Nehm of The Athletic have provided further details, confirming Middleton is recovering from two separate procedures.
The first procedure was an arthroscopic surgery on Middleton’s left ankle to address an injury that plagued him throughout the 2023-24 season. Middleton originally sprained the ankle on February 6 and described it as the worst sprain he had ever experienced. The injury sidelined him for nearly a month-and-a-half, causing him to miss 16 games.
Middleton also underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his right ankle to clean up a lingering issue. He had sprained this ankle in Game 2 of the team’s first-round postseason series against Indiana.
The surgery on Middleton’s left ankle took place shortly after the Bucks were eliminated from the playoffs in May, while the procedure on his right ankle was completed in mid-June.
While the news of Middleton’s surgeries might be concerning for Bucks fans, Charania and Nehm report that his recovery is progressing well. The 32-year-old was seen walking without pain or discomfort in Las Vegas over the weekend and has already begun light on-court workouts. League sources indicate that Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the 2024-25 season.
Middleton’s performance has been hampered by injuries over the past two regular seasons, but he showed glimpses of his old self during the postseason this spring. With Giannis Antetokounmpo unavailable and Damian Lillard sidelined for two games, Middleton stepped up, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists over six games. He shot 48.2% from the field and 90.0% from the free-throw line, helping to keep the Bucks competitive against the Pacers.
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