The Milwaukee Bucks will still be without the services of three-time All-Star Khris Middleton when they take on the Los Angeles Clippers on Monday night. The 32-year-old is still nursing a lingering left ankle injury that will now keep him sidelined for an 11th straight contest.
The Bucks can’t wait to get their star swingman back but at the same time, his extended absence has resulted in some positive developments within the squad as well.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Pat Connaughton Gets Real on Khris Middleton’s Injury
One man who has benefitted from Middleton’s most recent spell on the sidelines is guard/forward Pat Connaughton. In a recent interview, the sharpshooting wing admitted that not having Middleton in the lineup is a tough blow for the Bucks. However, Connaughton also sees the silver lining in the same:
“You can’t replace a guy like Khris,” he said. “… It’ll be great when we have Khris back, but it’s been good for I think the coaching staff and other guys on the team to see what guys can do and how they can continue to do what they do well more often.”
"You can't replace a guy like Khris."@Froedtert & MCW Practice Report. pic.twitter.com/MhDiqxZz6o
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 3, 2024
It does sound like Connaughton was referring to himself when he started talking about the other guys on the team proving their worth with Middleton out.
Don’t get it twisted, though. Connaughton is not at all happy about Middleton having to go through another injury spell. However, the former Notre Dame standout is certainly taking advantage of the opportunities that he’s being given.
Since Middleton went down, Connaughton has seen a significant uptick in his playing time. He’s averaging 24.9 minutes during this stretch, which has him putting up 6.2 points, 4.0 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 triples per contest.
As long as Middleton remains out, expect Connaughton to take on a lot of the minutes that have been left available in the rotation.
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