There have been a lot of NBA rumors this offseason about how the Milwaukee Bucks were going to upgrade their roster. After a disappointing first-round exit at the hands of the Indiana Pacers, something had to change.
For the Milwaukee Bucks, the most important thing they can do to turn their fortunes around is get healthy. Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play against the Pacers and Damian Lillard battled an Achilles issue.
Khris Middleton was also banged up, battling through ankle ailments. Based on recent NBA rumors that have come to light, the injuries were a lot worse than originally expected.
While Middleton didn’t miss a game, he certainly played through some pain. The injuries were bad enough that he dealt with that he underwent surgery on both his ankles this offseason.
NBA NEWS. & RUMORS: Khris Middleton, NBA Rumors, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
Sources confirmed to ESPN that arthroscopic surgeries were done on both ankles in relation to the injuries suffered during the season. Both were considered clean-up operations.
The first time that Middleton sprained his ankle was February 6th against the Phoenix Suns. He landed on Kevin Durant’s foot and missed 16 games as a result.
According to Middleton, it was the worst ankle sprain he suffered in his life. Shorty after the Milwaukee Bucks’ season ended, that ankle was operated on.
During Game 2 of their first-round playoff series, the other sprain occurred. He didn’t practice throughout the NBA Playoffs, but performed at a high level, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds and 4.7 assists per game.
NBA NEWS. & RUMORS: Khris Middleton, NBA Rumors, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
“[Middleton] was injured, you know, through the playoffs,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said Tuesday during a broadcast for the team’s summer league game. “And just played because, you know, no one else was playing. He played terrific. He had surgery in the summer, but he’ll be fine by the beginning of camp, which is good for us.”
Over the last two seasons, Middleton has been unable to stay on the court. He has played in only 88 regular season games because of a litany of injuries.
In 2022, Middleton missed the NBA Playoffs with a knee sprain and underwent surgery on his wrist that offseason. Surgery was done on his right knee in 2023, leading to a minute restriction out of the gate.
If the Milwaukee Bucks want any chance of contending in 2024-25, they need Middleton healthy. There are several question marks surrounding the team, while their Eastern Conference rivals have improved.
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