The three-time All-Star has already started light court work and is expected to be ready for the start of the season.

Shortly after the playoffs, Middleton underwent surgery on his left ankle to address an issue that plagued him throughout this past season. Per those sources, the procedure cleaned up some of the lingering damage that stemmed from the left ankle sprain Middleton suffered on Feb. 6 when he landed on Phoenix Sunsforward Kevin Durant’s foot after attempting a jumper. Durant was assessed a flagrant 1 penalty for the closeout.