Bucks make major announcement revealing when Khris Middleton will debut | Sporting News

Milwaukee Bucks third star Khris Middleton will be available to make his season debut in the team's next appearance on Friday against the Boston Celtics.

The veteran wing has missed the first 21 games of the season due to offseason surgeries on both of his ankles .

Bucks fans can seemingly breath a brief sigh of relief as their team is finally back to 100 percent health .

Middleton will certainly take time to get up to speed and acclimate to the team, but his presence alone will significantly benefit coach Doc Rivers and his rotations.

Taurean Prince or Andre Jackson will move to the bench to accommodate Middleton's role.

Jackson probably benefits from playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard more than Prince.

Because of this, Jackson should preferably remain with the starting lineup that could use his burst and athleticism.

In a recent injury update , Rivers hinted at possible limitations for Middleton upon his return.

Appearances in back-to-back games may not happen immediately, and a possible minutes restriction could be something to monitor as well.

However, Middleton underwent a lengthy recovery process in an attempt to minimize any possible limitations.

Prince, who averages 28.4 minutes, and Gary Trent Jr, who has played 25.6 minutes per game, will most likely see their roles diminish slightly due to their overlapping skillsets with Middleton, once he is playing a full allotment of minutes.

With Middleton back, the Bucks could make a serious run to join the Cleveland Cavaliers and reigning champion Celtics atop the Eastern Conference.

A season ago, the now 33-year old Middleton recorded averages of 15.1 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists .

In 27 minutes per game, the veteran wing shot 38.1 percent from three on 4.5 attempts.

His floor-spacing, tertiary ball-handling, and perimeter defense will boost the Bucks on both ends of the court.

His presence will add optionality to Rivers' rotations, with less of a need to rely on one-dimensional contributors such as Bobby Portis.

MORE BUCKS NEWS: Brook Lopez channels his inner Nikola Jokic with this jaw-dropping play vs Pistons.

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