Middleton Undergoes Arthroscopic Surgery on Both Ankles, Expected to Return Before New Season

July 18 News: According to multiple authoritative reports, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgery on both of his ankles during the off-season and is expected to return before the start of the 2024-25 season.

Middleton’s ankle surgeries were performed separately, one shortly after the end of the playoffs and another in June. The 32-year-old Middleton missed a total of 55 games last season, especially after spraining his ankle in a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 6, which caused him to miss 16 consecutive games until his return on March 17. He played in 12 of the final 15 regular-season games, missing three due to a left ankle injury.

In the first round of the playoffs against the Pacers, Middleton averaged 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game over six games. He had a major offensive breakout in Game 3 of the series, scoring 42 points. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers mentioned Middleton in an interview with the media two days ago, saying, “He was dealing with injuries throughout the entire playoffs, but he kept playing. No one asked him to do that, and he played very well on the court. He had surgery in the summer and will be back before training camp starts, which is good for us.”

Last season, Middleton averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game. Over 12 seasons, during which he played for the Detroit Pistons (2012-13 season) and the Bucks, he has averaged 16.9 points, 4.8 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.