NBA Rumors: Bucks' Khris Middleton Not Cleared for 5-on-5 amid Ankle Injury Recovery

Khris Middleton will need some additional time before he is cleared for full action.

NBA insider Chris Haynes reported that the Milwaukee Bucks forward has not yet been cleared for five-on-five play with training camp a few days away.

Haynes reported that Middleton is "progressing nicely" from a procedure on both of his ankles but that the team is using a "cautious approach" to his recovery.

Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgeries on his ankles in the offseason, with the injuries being linked to ones he suffered during the 2023-24 season.

Haynes reported that the Bucks expect him to participate in most training camp activities, though he's now likely on track for something of a ramp-up period

The Bucks will need Middleton to be healthy as soon as possible given how crucial he is to the team's success.

The 33-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 5.3 assists and 4.7 rebounds in 55 games a year ago. While getting him to full strength is the best-case scenario, having him start slow will put more pressure on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard while the team hopes to jump out to a strong start.