The Milwaukee Bucks are not off to a good start this year. Prior to the 2024-25 NBA regular season, there was a great deal of optimism among Bucks fans that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard being able to work together for an entire offseason and training camp would lead to improved chemistry on the court. Furthermore, Khris Middleton had an entire summer to get healthy and back to his former self.
Unfortunately, while Dame and Giannis have played well together, the Bucks do not have many wins to show for it. Also, Middleton has yet to suit up for a game as the team has started 3-8 and sit dead last in the Eastern Conference Central Division.
Many feel that Milwaukee can start to string together wins when Middleton is finally cleared to play, but no one seems to know when that will be, including Bucks head coach Doc Rivers.
Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Has Not Even Checked on Khris Middleton’s Progress
Before the game against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday night, Rivers was asked about Middleton’s progress and what he has been able to do at practice.
According to Eric Nehm of The Athletic, Rivers said:
“[Nothing] that I know of. I didn’t even check to be honest.
“He’s just progressing and going along. I mean, I don’t know what the return date was or that there was one set, so what we’re doing is getting him healthy, so that when he’s ready to play he’s ready to play.
“As I’ve jokingly said a million times, Doc is just a nickname. And I don’t really know. I checked in with the medical team and they tell me the same stuff. He’s getting there. He’s getting closer. And basically, I relay the same stuff to you…
“I check in with Khris and the guys that are injured about how they’re feeling, more human stuff, because Khris wants to play. And he’s frustrated that he’s not. And that’s just how it works for a coach, it’s more about the mental stuff, the mental health, than anything else.”
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Were Not Happy about Doc Rivers’ Comments Regarding Khris Middleton
Needless to say, Bucks fans were not happy with Rivers’ comments about the three-time All-Star:
He was good to go by camp
Then he was potentially going to play one of the last pre season games
Then he was going possibly be ready by opening day
We are multiple weeks into the season and he has yet to play, but hasn’t had any setbacksTrying to figure this out https://t.co/Op6qN3Z2fD pic.twitter.com/nT7O68vIJa
— 🦌 (snellszn.bsky.social) (@SnellSZN) November 13, 2024
This is why I hate Khris Middleton. Your best ability is your availability. The guy is useless if he can’t play. The roster is largely constructed for him to be out on the floor. Same shit every year. https://t.co/lXmDRyhxdO
— shaq (@AGRU414) November 13, 2024
Unless The Bucks win a chip. Idc what happens. This must be the last season in Milwaukee for Khris. Can’t deal with this every year man. Time to move on. https://t.co/A46FRYyTPU
— Trey Crosby III Guru (@TCIIIESQ) November 13, 2024
It’s time https://t.co/c4HuchY4FO pic.twitter.com/n1DTocFXPV
— Gangsta Dreski (@Chefdre1107) November 13, 2024
As one can see, fans are fed up with the lack of answers. Obviously, Doc is just doing what is best for his player. However, fans were told that Middleton would be ready for the start of the regular season when he was held out of training camp and preseason games.
That has not been the case, and as the team continues to struggle, frustrations will continue.
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