Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is entering the new NBA season with a sense of optimism, despite a challenging offseason marked by surgeries on both ankles. Middleton, a vital component of the Bucks’ success, has not yet been cleared for five-on-five action. Still, he remains a key figure in the team's plan as they prepare for the season opener.
Head coach Doc Rivers has confirmed Middleton's participation in training camp, albeit with 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 said. This cautious approach is designed to ensure Middleton's long-term health while keeping him integrated with the team.
A Season Marred by Injuries
Last season, Middleton played just 55 games due to persistent ankle issues. His troubles began on February 6 when he sprained his left ankle during a matchup against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. He made his return in late March but soon faced another setback, spraining his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, Middleton did not miss any games following this injury, but it was clear that his physical condition was compromised. The Bucks ultimately bowed out to the Pacers in six games.
Rehabilitation and Preparedness
The offseason provided Middleton with an opportunity to address his health issues. Undergoing surgeries on both ankles, the procedures were a necessary step towards ensuring his availability and effectiveness for the upcoming campaign. Bucks General Manager Jon Horst conveyed a positive outlook regarding Middleton's rehabilitation. "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 explained.
In spite of these procedures, Middleton's participation during training camp will be measured. Having undergone surgeries on his wrist, knee, and ankles over the past two seasons, the Bucks are understandably cautious. Last season, Middleton started on a minutes limit and avoided playing back-to-back games, a trend likely to continue as Milwaukee monitors his workload closely.
Learning and Adapting
Middleton himself remains pragmatic about his condition and the learning process that accompanies frequent injuries. "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 shared.
Prepping for the Preseason
The Bucks will hold their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, providing a focused environment for the team to gel and strategize. Their first preseason game is slated for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, a critical initial step in evaluating Middleton's readiness for the regular season.
As the Bucks eye a return to championship contention, Middleton's health and performance will be closely watched. His ability to manage his injuries effectively and maintain a high level of play could be crucial in determining the Bucks' fortunes this season. With an experienced head coach in Doc Rivers and a supportive medical staff, the team is cautiously optimistic that Middleton will be ready to contribute right from the start.
Ultimately, it’s a narrative of resilience and strategic planning as Khris Middleton and the Milwaukee Bucks navigate the challenges of injury recovery and the relentless demands of an NBA season.