Sources cited by ESPN confirmed that the three-time All-Star is in the recovery process after several ankle surgeries performed during the offseason. The team is proceeding cautiously in his rehab, as Middleton has not yet been cleared to participate in five-on-five workouts and has only played three-on-three scrimmages.
Last February, Middleton suffered a sprain to his left ankle after falling on Kevin Durant‘s foot during a game against the Phoenix Suns, which kept him out of 16 games, describing that injury as the most serious of his career. Although he averaged 24.7 points and 9.2 rebounds in the playoffs, an additional injury to his right ankle also affected his performance. Despite this, Middleton overcame himself and contributed to the team to remain competitive in the series against the Indiana Pacers.
Over the past two seasons, Middleton has been limited to just 88 regular-season games due to various nagging injuries. In April 2022, he suffered a sprained knee during the playoffs, followed by wrist surgery during the 2022 offseason. In 2023, he underwent surgery on his right knee and throughout the first half of the season he was out of action. a strict minute restriction.
During Middleton’s absence in the preseason, Taurean Prince has taken his place in the starting five. Middleton’s lack of participation in the preseason has generated concern among Bucks fans, who hope for a speedy recovery so that the player can return to action as soon as possible.
