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[Saba Sports News] Khris Middleton has just over three months to recover before the next season starts, and he may need all of it.
Shams Charania of The Athletic reported that the Milwaukee Bucks star underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles this offseason. These “clean-up procedures” address lingering issues, and Middleton has already begun light on-court work. He is expected to be ready for the start of the 2024-25 season.
Middleton, a three-time All-Star, dealt with a persistent left ankle sprain last February, causing him to miss over a month. He also sprained his right ankle during Milwaukee’s first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers but played through the injury.
While the outlook appears optimistic, having surgeries on both ankles in the same offseason is concerning, especially since Middleton is approaching 33. He has been frequently injured, playing only 33 games in the 2022-23 season due to a knee issue, and his scoring has dropped from over 20 points per game to 15.1 points per game over the last two seasons combined.
Milwaukee’s core around Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is nearing 30, is also aging. Damian Lillard is 34, and Brook Lopez is 36. Although the Bucks made a smart signing in free agency to get younger, much of their success next season will depend on Middleton’s recovery from his surgeries.