Bucks Bench Khris Middleton Amid Health Concerns, Doc Rivers Explains Decision

MILWAUKEE — The Milwaukee Bucks are moving veteran forward Khris Middleton to the bench, head coach Doc Rivers confirmed on Wednesday ahead of the team’s game against the Brooklyn Nets. The decision comes as Middleton continues to recover from double ankle surgery in the offseason and battles lingering ankle tendinitis, which sidelined him during Monday’s win over the Toronto Raptors.

Rivers emphasized that the move is health-related, not performance-based. “His ankle is not improving to the place he wants or we want,” Rivers said. “We’re cutting his minutes back a little bit and just trying to make sure he gets through this.” Middleton, 33, has struggled with injuries since the 2022 playoffs, undergoing surgeries on his left wrist, right knee, and both ankles. He has played just 100 regular-season games since then.

Middleton, a three-time All-Star, has been productive when healthy, averaging 15.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists on 51.2% shooting as a starter this season. However, the Bucks have struggled with consistency, posting a 3-4 record in games where Middleton started. Rivers noted that Middleton’s mobility has been inconsistent, impacting his ability to contribute at a high level every night.

The Bucks’ primary starting lineup featuring Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, and Malik Beasley has a minus-10.6 net rating in limited minutes this season. Additionally, the trio of Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard has posted a minus-5.6 net rating in 96 minutes together, a stark contrast to their plus-17.5 net rating in 758 minutes last season.

Rivers acknowledged the challenges of integrating Middleton into the lineup while managing his health. “It’s just a tough go for him,” Rivers said. “One night, you see he’s moving great, one night he’s not. His minutes go up and down with the way we want to do this medically.”

Middleton’s move to the bench is expected to limit his minutes alongside Antetokounmpo and Lillard, potentially preserving his health for critical moments. The Bucks, currently navigating a crowded Eastern Conference, hope this adjustment will help Middleton regain his form and contribute more effectively as the season progresses.