Latest crushing Khris Middleton update skyrockets newcomer's importance to Bucks

With just days until the Milwaukee Bucks kick off their NBA season against the Philadelphia 76ers, ESPN insider Shams Charania has announced that Khris Middleton is expected to miss Wednesday's opener.

The three-time All-Star had surgery on both ankles this offseason, and the Bucks are now managing his return to the court with caution. Middleton did not take part in any of the four preseason games and had been limited in practice over the past week.

What this does mean is that the Bucks will be turning to new arrival Taurean Prince to fill in at the small forward spot for the start of the season.

Taurean Prince's importance to the Bucks has skyrocketed

Prince had filled in for Middleton during all four preseason games, and the 30-year-old is going to play a huge part in the Milwaukee Bucks' success this season. The veteran played under Darvin Ham, now Bucks assistant coach, for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, averaging 8.9 points, 2.9 rebounds, 1.5 assists in 78 games. He had strong splits of .422/.396/.735, which will be valuable for the Milwaukee Bucks without Middleton's shot-creating ability.

During media day, Giannis Antetokounmpo was very complimentary of Prince and played up his importance to this team, something that will be put to the test from the first whistle. Adding a two-way wing was essential for the Bucks this offseason and Giannis noted that.

"TP does the right thing, can defend any position. I don't think there is anybody on the floor that plays harder than TP."

Having the backing of your team's superstar is a great place to build from, and now Prince will be expected to aid Giannis with good perimeter shooting and defense to complement the two-time MVP.

Prince is the first defensive-minded forward the Bucks have added since the loss of P.J. Tucker, and his first request to the coaching staff was for clips of assisted 3-point makes from Giannis, Damian Lillard and Middleton. Prince has a career 113.9 defensive rating, and the Sixers are a really good test for the Bucks and how they will fair, but also how Taurean Prince and the other newcomers will fit into the scheme.

It is a crushing blow for the Milwaukee Bucks and for Khris Middleton, but this was expected to be the case. Taurean Prince now has the chance to step up and show why the addition is being so highly rated by everyone in the Bucks building.