Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is stepping into the upcoming NBA season with a sense of optimism, armed with the hope that a healthier body will translate into on-court success. After enduring multiple surgeries during the offseason, Middleton's path to recovery has been challenging but promising.
Offseason Surgeries and Recovery
The offseason saw Middleton undergoing surgeries on both ankles—a necessity stemming from the significant issues he faced last season. Middleton's ankle problems restricted him to just 55 games, a number far below his expectations and the team's needs. His first major setback came on February 6, when he sprained his left ankle in a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. He made his return in late March but soon sprained his right ankle during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Though he managed to play through this injury, the Bucks were eventually eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
Adding to his injury woes, Middleton had also dealt with surgeries on his wrist and knee over the past two seasons. Starting the last season on a minutes limit and avoiding back-to-back games underscored the caution the Bucks exercised with their star forward.
Middleton's Optimism and Team Expectations
This meticulous approach will continue as Middleton participates in the Bucks' upcoming training camp. Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Middleton's involvement, though he highlighted the need for a gradual reintroduction to full-speed action. “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.
The Bucks’ general manager, Jon Horst, expressed confidence in Middleton's recovery process, stating, “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.”
As the Bucks commence their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, the team remains optimistic about Middleton’s readiness for the start of the season. However, his participation will be carefully managed to avoid any setbacks.
Learning from the Past
Middleton's experiences with injuries have taught him valuable lessons. He shared, "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."
These insights are not just about physical readiness but also about mental agility—understanding when to push and when to step back. This nuanced understanding is expected to be a cornerstone of Middleton's approach this season.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks’ first preseason game is scheduled for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons. Fans and team members alike will be keenly observing Middleton's progress and performance. His health and availability could be crucial for the Bucks, who have high aspirations for the upcoming season.
As the season nears, all signs point toward a cautious but optimistic return for Khris Middleton. With the support of the Bucks’ medical and coaching staff, along with his own seasoned understanding of his physical limits, Middleton aims to pivot past his injury-laden past and contribute significantly to his team’s success.