Khris Middleton Undergoes Two Ankle Surgeries, Expected to be Fully Healthy for 2024-2025 NBA Season
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has been dealing with lingering health issues throughout the season, but he’s finally on the road to recovery after undergoing two ankle surgeries in the offseason.
According to The Athletic, the surgeries were arthroscopic clean-up procedures aimed at addressing damage on Middleton’s left ankle, which he suffered on February 6 when he landed on Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant’s foot after attempting a jump shot. Middleton initially tried to play through the injury but eventually had to shut it down due to the severity of the sprain.
The first surgery took place after the Bucks’ first-round playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers, and the second procedure occurred in June, focusing on lingering issues with his right ankle. Since the surgeries, Middleton has begun light court work and is expected to be fully healthy and ready for the 2024-2025 NBA season, according to The Athletic.
Middleton’s left ankle injury kept him off the floor for over a month, missing 16 consecutive games before returning to action on March 17. He played in 12 of the last 15 games of the regular season, missing three due to left ankle injury management.
Despite having two bad ankles, Middleton managed to carry the load for the Bucks during the playoffs, averaging 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists in six games against the Pacers. He exploded offensively in Game 3 of the series with a 42-point performance.
Injuries have plagued Middleton over the last couple of seasons, with this past year seeing him play in only 55 games, averaging 15 points a night while on a minutes restriction for the first half of the season. The year prior, Middleton played in only 33 games due to recovering from a left wrist surgery the previous offseason, as well as knee issues and the pesky left ankle.
With the Bucks’ forward expected to be fully healthy for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing Middleton back to his usual self, providing a boost to the team’s offense and defense.
