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It still remains to be seen when Milwaukee Bucks swingman Khris Middleton will make his 2024-25 debut even though he is reportedly medically cleared.
ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Middleton “has been medically cleared for a period of time but is still working to feel physically ready for his season debut from double ankle surgeries.”
To say Milwaukee needs Middleton back on the floor is an understatement.
While the team has realistic championship aspirations with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the way, the 2024-25 season is off to a rocky start. The Bucks are just 5-9 heading into Wednesday’s game against the Chicago Bulls, and that’s with a 3-1 record in the last four games.
There was a time when they were an ugly 2-8.
Fortunately for the Bucks, Middleton is taking steps toward his eventual return even if he isn’t quite ready to be back on the court. Charania noted the veteran “has increased his on-court activity and has consistently completed three-on-three play over the past several weeks.”
Head coach Doc Rivers provided an update Wednesday when he said, “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.”
Rivers has gotten the opportunity to coach Middleton, Antetokounmpo and Lillard together for just seven games since he took over his position in January.
Middleton played just 33 games in 2022-23 and 55 games last season while working through various physical setbacks. Durability has become something of an issue of late, but it isn’t difficult to envision him thriving in a system with Antetokounmpo and Lillard drawing so much attention.
If nothing else, he can spot up on the wings and in the corner when the two primary stars work in pick-and-rolls and capitalize when defenders collapse on Antetokounmpo or extend well beyond the arc on Lillard.
That type of spacing could unlock more consistent play for the Bucks as they look to turn things around this season.
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