Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is approaching the upcoming NBA season with a blend of cautious optimism and determination, a mindset shaped by an offseason marked by significant medical treatments. After undergoing surgeries on both ankles, Middleton's journey to full recovery is ongoing, with cautious steps being taken to ensure his health and performance in the long run.
The Bucks have high hopes that Middleton will be ready for the start of the season, despite the fact that he has not yet been cleared for full five-on-five action. The team's head coach, Doc Rivers, confirmed that Middleton would be part of the training camp, though with certain limitations. "He'll participate in camp. We won't have him doing a lot of live action, coming off the surgery and all that. But all our skeleton work, all our transition work, our transition defense, our conditioning work, he'll be on the floor with us," Rivers explained.
Last season was a challenging one for Middleton, who was limited to just 55 games due to recurrent ankle problems. One such incident occurred on February 6 during a game against the Phoenix Suns, where Middleton sprained his left ankle. This injury sidelined him for nearly six weeks, and although he managed to return to the court in late March, he wasn't fully free from setbacks. In Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Middleton sprained his right ankle. Displaying resilience, he did not miss any games following this injury, but it was clear that his performance was hampered. Ultimately, the Bucks were eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
The offseason surgeries Middleton underwent were directly related to the sprains he endured throughout the season. The forward has experienced a series of setbacks over the past two seasons, having required operations not only on his ankles but also on his wrist and knee. This history of injuries has significantly influenced how the Bucks approach his training and participation in games. To manage his recovery better, Middleton started last season on a minutes limit and was strategically kept out of back-to-back games.
Despite these hurdles, there is an air of optimism around Middleton's condition. Jon Horst, the Bucks' General Manager, remarked, "Khris is doing really well. It's just a normal offseason clean-up procedure. He literally is on the court right now as we're talking. He'll be a very active participant in camp, so Khris is also healthy." This positive update is encouraging for Bucks fans who are eager to see Middleton back in action, contributing to the team's success.
The emotional and physical toll of continuous injuries is something Middleton has become intimately familiar with. Reflecting on his experiences, he shared his growing wisdom. "Knowing my limits, knowing what pain is, knowing what you can play through and when it's not smart playing through. I've learned that a lot over the last couple years. And that's not saying I played when I wasn't supposed to be playing or I played when I shouldn't be playing. It's just experience, going through the years and talking to other people that's been through similar situations. I'm always going to be learning something about myself and my body as I get older," Middleton said.
The Bucks’ training camp is set to take place at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, a setting designed to prepare the team for a rigorous season ahead. With Middleton engaging in all non-contact drills, the coaching staff will carefully monitor his progress. As the preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons on October 6 approaches, all eyes will be on Middleton to see how he fares and how his involvement will shape the Bucks' strategies moving forward.
Middleton's journey is a testament to the highs and lows that professional athletes endure. His commitment to recovery and readiness for the upcoming season reflect his professionalism and dedication to the game. As the Bucks gear up for what promises to be a competitive season, Middleton's health and performance will undoubtedly be pivotal to their aspirations.