As the Milwaukee Bucks gear up for the upcoming NBA season, all eyes are on forward Khris Middleton, who approaches the new campaign with a blend of optimism and caution. After undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason, Middleton's journey to recovery has been meticulously monitored as he aims to return to peak form.
Middleton, a cornerstone of the Bucks' lineup, has faced a series of setbacks that limited his availability last season. Ankle issues plagued him throughout the year, restricting him to just 55 games. The turning point came on February 6, when he sprained his left ankle in a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. Despite these challenges, Middleton made his way back to the court in late March, showcasing his resilience and dedication to the sport.
Preseason Preparations
As the new season approaches, the Bucks are taking a measured approach with Middleton's participation in training camp. While he has not yet been cleared for five-on-five action, the team remains optimistic about his readiness for the start of the season. Head coach Doc Rivers has confirmed that Middleton will be involved in 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 stated, highlighting the planned cautious approach.
Managing Expectations
Middleton's participation is crucial for the Bucks, who look to build on their performance from last season. Although he faced a second ankle injury during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, which they lost in six games, Middleton did not miss any subsequent games. The surgeries he underwent in the offseason were aimed at addressing the lingering issues from these sprains.
Reflecting on his recovery, General Manager Jon Horst emphasized the significance of Middleton's progress. "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 affirmed.
Learning from Experience
Middleton's injuries have provided him with a new perspective on managing his body and workload. Having had surgeries on his wrist, knee, and ankles in the past two seasons, he has learned to navigate the fine line between pushing through pain and knowing when to step back.
"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 shared. "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."
The Bucks are set to hold their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, with their first preseason game scheduled for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons. As Middleton continues his recovery, the Bucks remain hopeful that his strategic and gradual reintegration will pay dividends when the regular season commences.
For now, Middleton continues to prepare diligently, balancing the demands of recovery with the anticipation of competition. His journey serves as a testament to the resilience and determination required to thrive at the highest levels of professional sports, and the Bucks' faithful eagerly await his impactful return to the hardwood.