Bucks bring Khris Middleton off the bench

The dollar I reported further Chris Middleton Sources tell NBA insider Chris Haynes (Twitter video link) that they will leave him out of their starting lineup and bring him off the bench in the future.

As Haynes explains, the Bucks are trying to establish continuity in their starting lineup as Middleton continues to work toward returning to full strength following offseason surgeries on both ankles. The 33-year-old was forced to sit out Monday’s game in Toronto due to “injuries related to his ankles” and continues to face a minutes restriction, Haynes notes.

Providing a starting lineup of Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard, Brook Lopez, Andrew JacksonAnd Taurian prince will allow head coach Doc Rivers to stick with this starting lineup even if Middleton misses a game or two. Bringing the three-time All-Star off the bench will also make it easier for the team to manage his playing time while he is on a minutes limit.

Middleton, who made his season debut on December 6, came off the bench in his first five appearances of the season before starting each of his final seven appearances. He has averaged 12.7 points, 5.0 assists and 4.4 rebounds in 23.8 minutes per game in those 12 contests, with a shooting line of .447/.404/.852.

Middleton is the second multiple All-Star to be left out of his team’s starting lineup this week while his name comes up Jimmy Butler Trade Rumors, Joining Suns Guard Bradley Beal.

While the Bucks have reportedly considered the idea of ​​signing Butler, it would be a tall order to get a deal done from a cap perspective and are rumored to be among the teams that have been advised against moving the Heat star to buy. While Middleton would almost certainly have to be included in a Milwaukee offer for Butler, it seems unlikely that such a deal will happen.

Middleton will be available for the Bucks on Wednesday against San Antonio, Haynes added.