Milwaukee Bucks lose Khris Middleton for six months

The Milwaukee Bucks are reeling after receiving word that leading scorer Khris Middleton will miss approximately six months due to a hamstring injury.

Middleton tore his hamstring in a workout earlier this week and is slated to undergo surgery next week.

Middleton, 25, averaged a career-best 18.2 points, 4.2 assists and 1.7 steals last season.

"We're obviously disappointed for Khris and our team, but injuries are an unfortunate part of the game," Bucks general manager John Hammond told reporters. "We'll rely on our overall roster depth to help us while Khris is out for a significant period of the season."

Middleton has developed into a key figure on a building roster that includes star forward Giannis Antetokounmpo and power forward Jabari Parker. Middleton signed a five-year, $70 million extension prior to last season.

Middleton was originally a second-round pick by the Detroit Pistons in 2012. He was dealt to Milwaukee the following year in the trade that sent guard Brandon Jennings to the Pistons.

Middleton is averaging 13.6 points in 267 career NBA games.