NBA Rumors: Khris Middleton to Remain Out Indefinitely for Bucks During Injury Recovery | News, scores, highlights, stats and rumors

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton remains out indefinitely as he recovers from offseason ankle surgery, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Charania reported this on Tuesday NBA today that the Bucks “have recognized that this is taking much longer than they expected.” Middleton has yet to resume five-on-five action on the pitch.

The three-time All-Star experienced issues with each of his ankles during the 2023-24 season and used his time off over the summer to undergo arthroscopic surgery. It was the third consecutive offseason in which he underwent some kind of procedure after having a torn wrist ligament repaired in 2022 and then some knee pain relief in 2023.

There’s no doubt the 33-year-old’s absence has played a role in Milwaukee’s start. He would give the team another proven scorer, and he would help the Bucks’ three-point shooting, as they rank 13th in average (13.0) and 15th in three-point percentage (35.4).

However, it’s not nearly as simple as putting Middleton back in the rotation and watching Milwaukee thrive.

The Bucks rank 22nd in defensive rating (116.5), according to NBA.com, and they seriously lack the presence they had on the perimeter with Jrue Holiday. Having the NBA’s seventh-oldest roster is also evident in the way opposing guards get blown by whoever Milwaukee throws at them.

Cleveland Cavaliers star Donovan Mitchell dropped 30 points in a 114-113 win over the Bucks last Saturday. Two nights later, Darius Garland went off for 39 points as the Cavs won again, 116-114.

In short, turning around a 1-6 start will take more than a healthy Middleton.