Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is approaching the upcoming NBA season with a renewed sense of optimism. After enduring significant ankle issues last season, Middleton is on the path to recovery following offseason surgeries on both ankles. The Bucks are hopeful that their star forward will be ready for the start of the season, even though he has yet to be cleared for five-on-five action.
Middleton's journey through injuries has been a tough one. Last season, he sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 6, an injury that sidelined him for nearly six weeks. Despite returning to play in late March, he suffered another blow during the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, spraining his right ankle in Game 2. Remarkably, he did not miss any games following the right ankle sprain, though the Bucks were eventually eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
Reflecting on his health and recovery, Middleton shared his experienced approach towards managing 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," Middleton said. "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." This maturity and understanding of his body signals a forward-thinking approach as he prepares for the new season.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers provided an update on Middleton’s status for training camp, stating, "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." This indicates that while Middleton will be present, his activity will be managed carefully to ensure he doesn't aggravate his injuries.
The surgical procedures that Middleton underwent during the offseason were directly related to the ankle sprains he sustained during the previous season. Jon Horst, General Manager of the Bucks, emphasized Middleton's positive 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." This reassuring update underscores the team's commitment to Middleton's rehabilitation and readiness for the season.
Training camp is set to take place at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, providing a change of scenery as the Bucks prepare for their first preseason game on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons. The Bucks are taking a cautious approach with Middleton, limiting his participation in live-action activities during camp to ensure a steady recovery and readiness for the upcoming season.
Middleton's injury history extends beyond his ankles. Over the past two seasons, he has had surgeries on his wrist and knee as well. Despite these setbacks, he started last season on a minutes restriction and avoided playing in back-to-back games, a strategy that helped manage his workload and preserve his health.
As the Bucks look ahead to the new season, Middleton's health and availability will be crucial. His contributions on both ends of the floor have been vital to the team's success, and a healthy Middleton could significantly enhance their championship aspirations. The precise management of his recovery and integration back into the team activities highlights the organization’s strategic approach to ensuring their star is at his best when the season commences.
In summary, while Khris Middleton's journey through injuries has been fraught with challenges, his resilience and the Bucks’ strategic handling of his recovery provide a beacon of hope. With a carefully managed training camp and a cautious approach to his activity, the upcoming season holds promise for both Middleton and the Milwaukee Bucks. The team's preseason run starting on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons will offer a glimpse into how well they have managed to integrate their key player back into the fray, bearing the weight of both hopes and expectations.