Key Bucks player is dealing with significant injury concern

Jul 11, 2021; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton looks on during warmups prior to game three of the 2021 NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks may be showing some signs of turning the corner after a terrible start to the season, but there is a lingering concern about one of their key players.

In an appearance on ESPN’s “NBA Today,” Shams Charania said the Bucks are optimistic that they will have Damian Lillard out of concussion protocol by the weekend. The bigger concern, however, is the lack of progress Khris Middleton is making in coming back from an ankle injury.

“The big worry in Milwaukee is Khris Middleton. His absence has been deafening for this team,” Charania said. “He has not even progressed to 5-on-5 yet. They are not sure exactly when he’s going to go to 5-on-5. His absence has been much longer than team officials have anticipated. But they are hopeful over the next couple weeks, get him on a couple 5-on-5s and hopefully he can progress to a return.”

"The big worry in Milwaukee is Khris Middleton … He has not even progressed to 5-on-5 yet."@ShamsCharania with the latest on the Bucks' third star. pic.twitter.com/I92ojrDKP6

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) November 14, 2024

The lack of a return timetable for Middleton is definitely a concern at this point, especially considering the nature of the offseason procedures on his ankle. As Charania alluded to, the Bucks had expected him back for the start of the season, and we are still talking about him being weeks away 12 games in.

Middleton has long been a key part of Milwaukee’s core. In 55 games last season, he contributed 15.1 points and 5.3 assists per game, and is one of the team’s most important defensive players as well.