Bucks fans are in desperate need of good news as the team sits on 6-9 record on the season, but unfortunately Khris Middleton isn’t back yet.
Bucks champion Khris Middleton has been medically cleared for a period of time, which sounds like good news right?
Well, Shams says he’s “still working to feel physically ready for his season debut from double ankle surgeries in the offseason, sources told ESPN on Wednesday.”
Milwaukee need the forward now more than ever. He reportedly increased his on-court activity and has completed 3-on-3 play consistently over the past several weeks.
But the concerning part is that he was meant to already be back playing by now. His rehab and return to play time has “lasted much longer than people around the organization anticipated”, Shams says.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers spoke about Middleton and how he looked on Wednesday, “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 coached Middleton for only 15 regular season games due to injury.
The Bucks vets comprising of Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have played in just seven games together under Doc.
The last time Middleton spoke to reporters at the end of October, he said, “I feel good, just not good enough to play that’s all.”
Some around the league are calling for the much-injured forward to be traded, as Milwaukee are clearly in need of some depth.
Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report suggests a solution which will send Portland Trail Blazers 3-and-D combo forward Jerami Grant to Milwaukee, in exchange for Middleton’s contract and a 2031 first round draft selection.
Milwaukee Bucks Receive: F Jerami Grant
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: F Khris Middleton, 2031 first round pick
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