The upcoming NBA season holds significant promise for Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton, who is entering the new season with a sense of optimism despite undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason. While Middleton has yet to be cleared for full five-on-five action, the Bucks are optimistic about his readiness for the start of the season.
Head coach Doc Rivers has confirmed that Middleton will be participating in the team’s training camp, though his involvement in live-action activities will be limited. Rivers noted, "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."
A Season Marred by Injuries
Middleton’s previous season was plagued by significant ankle issues, restricting him to just 55 games. His troubles began on February 6, during a game against the Phoenix Suns, where he sprained his left ankle. This led to a six-week absence, sidelining him until late March. Despite these setbacks, Middleton managed to return to play in the closing stages of the regular season.
The adversity didn’t end there. During Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, Middleton sprained his right ankle. Remarkably, he did not miss any further games due to this injury. However, the Bucks' playoff run was cut short as they were eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
Surgical Interventions and Recovery
The offseason surgeries Middleton underwent were directly related to the sprains he suffered during the season. These procedures have become an unwelcome but necessary part of his career over the past two years, with Middleton also having surgeries on his wrist and knee during this period. Reflecting on his experiences, Middleton shared insights into his mindset and approach to his physical wellbeing, "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."
Training Camp and Season Preparations
As he recovers and prepares for the new season, Middleton will participate actively in the Bucks' training camp, to be held at UC-Irvine’s campus in California. Bucks’ General Manager Jon Horst provided an optimistic update on Middleton’s condition, saying, "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."
Despite his limitations in live-action scenarios, the Bucks’ coaching staff and management are confident that Middleton will be in good shape for the team’s first preseason game on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons. Middleton's previous seasons have seen him manage minutes and avoid back-to-back games, a strategy aimed at preserving his health and effectiveness over the long grind of an NBA season.
Future Prospects
Middleton's journey through injury and recovery underscores the resilience and dedication required at the highest levels of professional sports. His approach to managing his physical condition, combined with the support of the Bucks’ medical and coaching staff, positions him for a season where he aims to contribute significantly to the team's success. As Middleton continues to navigate the intricacies of his health and fitness, his experience and leadership will undoubtedly be crucial for the Bucks as they look to make a deep run in the playoffs once again.
The anticipation surrounding Middleton’s return is palpable among Bucks fans and the broader basketball community. His ability to overcome adversity and perform at a high level remains a testament to his professionalism and dedication to the sport. With optimism and a strategic approach to his health, Middleton is poised to make a notable impact in the upcoming NBA season.