Bucks’ Adrian Griffin Awkwardly Side-Stepped Multiple Questions on Khris Middleton’s Health

The three-time All-Star has yet to participate in the team’s training camp.

The Bucks started training camp on Tuesday, allowing the group to get a first glimpse of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and Milwaukee’s newest star Damian Lillard in practice.

However, while much of the attention has been on the Bucks’ new duo, Milwaukee’s third star Khris Middleton has yet to fully participate in camp. Middleton, who was limited to 33 games in the 2022–23 season due to injuries, underwent a surgical procedure on his right knee in June to remove the pain he experienced last season.

When Bucks coach Adrian Griffin was asked about Middleton’s status, he maintained that the three-time All-Star was considered “day-to-day,” while also stating that Middleton was “progressing beautifully,” despite not practicing live on the court currently.

“...He’s [Middleton] been very productive with his individual workouts and he’s been working his way toward getting back to more 5-on-5 live basketball,” Griffin said, per Eric Nehm of The Athletic. “We got time on our side. We’re just being smart… not rushing the process.”

Adrian Griffin told reporters that both Giannis Antetokounmpo & Damian Lillard did not participate today's practice.

He also told us that Khris Middleton did not fully participate.

Here is the back-and-forth we had with him to try to figure out what's happening with Middleton: pic.twitter.com/KQS6KRgU3g

— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 4, 2023

But when Griffin was asked follow-up questions about if Middleton’s health would be a “problem” or a recurring issue moving into the season, he clearly evaded them.

“What kind of problem?” Griffin responded. “What’s popping up for Khris?... He’s progressing. He’s cleared to be where he’s supposed to be and he’s right on time.”

Middleton averaged 15.1 points per game during the 2022–23 regular season. In five playoff games, the 32-year-old averaged 23.8 points, 6.4 rebounds and 6.2 per contest. 

Milwaukee opens the regular season on Oct. 26 against the 76ers.