© Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Khris Middleton misses game vs. the Atlanta Hawks but will play against the Miami Heat
The Milwaukee Bucks continue to carefully monitor Khris Middleton’s progress from offseason knee surgery, electing to sit the All-Star wingman during their home game against the Atlanta Hawks. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin, though, expressed that Middleton will suit up in the second game of the team’s back-to-back—this time against the Miami Heat.
Being smart
Griffin allayed any concerns fans may have about seeing Middleton on the sidelines once again, saying the team is just being cautious with their approach regarding the 32-year-old, who played in just 33 games last season due to numerous maladies.
“This is just being smart and ramping him up gradually. But he participated in practice today and looked really good,” Griffin said.
For his part, Middleton said he’s on board with whatever the team’s plan is for him this season.
“I’m with whatever the coaching staff wants to do with my minutes,” Middleton said. “I’ve been doing this a long time, done this before, and there’s so many different ways you can go with it. But, at the end of the day, I listen to what the coaches want me to do, whether finishing games, starting games, playing in the middle of games. Whatever the case may be, I’m just going to be ready.”
Solid season debut for Middleton
Middleton played 16 minutes during the season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, registering five points, three rebounds, four assists, and two steals. However, he played just four minutes in the second half and none at all in the fourth. The lack of minutes, though, was not an issue with Middleton.
“You want to be out there when the game’s on the line,” Middleton remarked. “That’s when the best basketball is supposed to be played, and you want to show that we’re one of the best teams, and individually, you want to show that you’re one of the best players out there, and that’s why you’re out there on the court."
"Just right now, the first game, it didn’t happen. Who knows, it may happen this game, and hopefully down the line, I’ll be out there a lot more,” he added.
