Khris Middleton Gears Up for an Optimistic Season Amid Recovery
As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare for the upcoming NBA season, forward Khris Middleton is entering the fray with cautious optimism. Following a challenging season marred by ankle issues, Middleton faces the new campaign with hope, backed by a series of surgeries meant to address his persistent injuries.
During the offseason, Middleton underwent surgeries on both ankles, a decision that has prevented him from being cleared for five-on-five action. Nevertheless, the Bucks are confident that their star will be ready for the start of the season. According to Bucks' head coach Doc Rivers, "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."
Indeed, Middleton's participation in training camp, while limited, is a positive indicator. Rivers confirmed that Middleton will be able to partake in non-contact drills and exercises, which is a step in the right direction following a season that saw him restricted to only 55 games due to significant ankle trouble.
The ankle issues have been particularly troubling for Middleton, starting with a severe sprain of his left ankle on February 6 during a game against the Phoenix Suns. This injury sidelined him for nearly six weeks, forcing Middleton to return to action only in late March. The playoffs presented another hurdle when he sprained his right ankle during Game 2 of the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, Middleton did not miss any games following this injury, but the Bucks were eventually eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
The recent surgeries aim to rectify the sprains he suffered last season. Moreover, these are just the latest in a series of procedures Middleton has undergone in the past two years, including surgeries on his wrist and knee. This history of injuries also meant that Middleton began the last season on a minutes limit and avoided playing in back-to-back games.
However, the Bucks’ General Manager Jon Horst provides a reassuring update on Middleton’s current status. "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," Horst said.
Given Middleton's extensive experience dealing with injuries, his approach to recovery has become more nuanced. "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," Middleton explained. "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."
The Bucks are gearing up for an intensive training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, where Middleton is expected to contribute significantly despite his limitations. Their first preseason game is scheduled for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, a moment many are eagerly anticipating to see if Middleton’s offseason efforts will bear fruit on the court.
As the Bucks forge ahead, Middleton's journey will be closely watched, not only for its impact on the team’s fortunes but also as a testament to his resilience and adaptability. His presence, even if moderated, brings an air of optimism for a season that both he and the Bucks hope will be free from the injury woes that have plagued them in recent times.