The Milwaukee Bucks didn’t start the year very well. Heading into the 2024-25 NBA regular season, there was a lot of optimism among Bucks fans that the opportunity for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard to work together throughout the offseason and training camp would translate into improved on-court chemistry. What’s more, Khris Middleton had the entire summer to get back to his health and his elderly self.
Unfortunately, while Dame and Giannis have played well together, the Bucks don’t have many wins to show for it. Besides, Middleton is not yet prepared for the match as the team started 3-8 and finished last in the Central Division of the Eastern Conference.
Many believe Milwaukee could start stringing together wins once Middleton is finally cleared to play, but no one knows when that will be, including Bucks head coach Doc Rivers.
The Milwaukee Bucks head coach didn’t even check on Khris Middleton’s progress
Before Wednesday night’s game against the Detroit Pistons, Rivers was asked about Middleton’s progress and what he was able to accomplish in practice.
According to Eric Nehm z Athleterivers said:
“[Nothing] that I know about. I didn’t even check to be honest.
“He’s just progressing and getting by. I mean, I don’t know what the return date was or if it was one set, so we’re trying to get him healthy so that when he’s ready to play, he’ll be ready to play.
“As I’ve joked a million times, the Doctor is just a nickname. And I really don’t know. I spoke to the medical team and they tell me the same thing. He’s getting there. It’s getting closer. And I’m basically passing on the same things to you…
“I’m in touch with Khris and the injured guys to see how they feel, it’s more of a human thing because Khris wants to play. And he is frustrated that this is not the case. And that’s how it works for a coach. It’s more about mental issues, mental health, than anything else.
Milwaukee Bucks fans weren’t happy with Dr. Rivers’ comments about Khris Middleton
Needless to say, Bucks fans weren’t happy with Rivers’ comments about the three-time All-Star:
It was good to go to camp
He would then potentially play in one of the final preseason games
Then it will probably be ready on opening day
The season is already a few weeks old and he hasn’t played yet, but he hasn’t had any setbacks
I’m trying to figure it 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 skill is accessibility. A guy is useless if he can’t play. The squad is largely constructed to be able to play on the court. It’s the same shit every year. https://t.co/lXmDRyhxdO
— shaq (@AGRU414) November 13, 2024
Unless the Bucks get a chip. Let’s see what happens. This has to be Khris’ last season in Milwaukee. I can’t deal with this every year. It’s 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 you can see, fans are fed up with the lack of answers. Of course, Doc is just doing what’s best for his fighter. However, fans were told Middleton would be ready for the start of the regular season when he was held out of training camps and preseason games.
That didn’t happen, and as the team continues to struggle, frustrations will continue.
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