Middleton is on a promising road to recovery after having ankle surgery.

The Milwaukee Bucks are making preparations for a comeback 2024-25 season after their first-round playoff exit. Milwaukee has a handful of stars that include veteran forward Khris Middleton. However, the Bucks received a key injury update on Middleton amid a series of offseason procedures.

Bucks' Khris Middleton reacts to injury

Middleton has undergone arthroscopic surgeries on both of his ankles, per Shams Charania. He is expected to be recovered for the start of the season. Hopefully, Middleton’s recovery process goes smoothly with no setbacks.

Khris Middleton has been an integral part of the Bucks’ success during his tenure. Most notably, his production during the 2020-2021 season helped Milwaukee have an incredible postseason run. Middleton averaged 20.4 points, 6.0 rebounds, 5.4 assists, and 41.4 percent on three-pointers during the regular season. Then, he took his game to another level during the playoffs.

Middleton increased his scoring mark to 23.6 points per game along with 7.6 rebounds per contest. His offensive and defensive reliability helped Giannis Antetokounmpo and the rest of Milwaukee’s contributors advance to the NBA Finals and beat the Phoenix Suns in six games.

Since then, Middleton has had some injury issues, but when healthy, he remains a force. Middleton played just 55 games during the 2023-24 season, averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. The 33-year-old should still have something left in the tank to offer a Bucks team with high aspirations.

Milwaukee acquired former Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard before the 2023-24 season with hopes that he would make them the title favorites. Lillard put up stout production in his first year, but he suffered an Achilles injury that contributed to the Bucks falling short in the playoffs. Nevertheless, the team is on a mission for an improved showing.

Bucks reload for 2024-25

Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton (22) dribbles the ball while Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
One of Milwaukee’s biggest offseason acquisitions came in the form of former Los Angeles Lakers forward Taurean Prince. Prince is a high-level two-way player who arrives on the Bucks with perfect timing. Prince provides stout help and insurance for Khris Middleton amid his injury struggles.

Prince is preparing to start his 10th season in the NBA. Before landing on the Lakers, he made stops with the Brooklyn Nets, Cleveland Cavaliers and Minnesota Timberwolves.

Through 78 games in 2023-24, Prince averaged 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 0.7 steals, and shot 39.6 percent on his 3-pointers in 27 minutes per game. Prince gained experience playing alongside one of the most dominant forwards in the NBA: LeBron James. Thus, his transition to playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks should be easier.

Speaking of Antetokounmpo, the former NBA MVP looks to spearhead Milwaukee’s two-way attack going into the 2024-25 season. Unfortunately, Antetokounmpo missed the 2024 Playoffs due to a calf strain. Yet, when he returns at full capacity, he will make the Bucks automatic title contenders.

The 29-year-old averaged 30.4 points, 11.5 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.1 blocks per game through 73 games in 2023-24. Antetokounmpo’s two-way dominance gives Milwaukee an edge few teams in the league have.

As the Bucks recover from their injury woes, their chances of success increase. It will be interesting to see how Doc Rivers can help his veteran squad perform when they enter the 2024-25 NBA season.