Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is gearing up for the new NBA season with a considerable amount of optimism, despite undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason. The Bucks are hopeful that their star player will be ready to take the court for the start of the season, even though Middleton has not yet been cleared for five-on-five action.
Offseason Surgery and Rehabilitation
Middleton faced significant challenges last season, with ankle issues restricting him to just 55 games. A particularly troublesome period came on February 6 when he sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns, leading to nearly six weeks on the sidelines. Upon his return in late March, Middleton's troubles continued into the playoffs when he sprained his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, he didn't miss any games following this injury, although the Bucks were ultimately eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
Given these recurring ankle problems, the offseason surgeries appeared to be a necessary step towards ensuring Middleton's readiness and durability for the upcoming season. These procedures are seen as part of a broader strategy to manage his long-term health, as Middleton also underwent surgeries on his wrist and knee in the past two seasons. Reflecting on his injuries, Middleton 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 of years."
Training Camp and Preseason Expectations
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers has confirmed Middleton's participation in the training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, albeit with some limitations. "He'll participate in camp. We won't have him doing a lot of live action, coming off the surgery and all that," Rivers explained. "But all our skeleton work, all our transition work, our transition defense, our conditioning work, he'll be on the floor with us."
General Manager Jon Horst echoed a positive sentiment regarding Middleton's condition, emphasizing that the surgeries were standard offseason procedures and that Middleton is already active on the court. "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 noted.
The Bucks are set to kick off their preseason campaign on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, and the team is hopeful that Middleton will be sufficiently prepared to contribute, even if his participation is initially limited. Last season, the veteran forward started on a minutes restriction and avoided playing back-to-back games in an effort to manage his workload and mitigate the risk of further injury.
Learning and Adaptation
Injuries have been a considerable part of Middleton's recent playing career, and he has developed a keener understanding of his physical limits and the significance of playing through pain. "I’m always going to be learning something about myself and my body as I get older," Middleton acknowledged. His experiences, coupled with conversations with peers who have faced similar challenges, have contributed to his evolving approach to managing his health and performance.
As the Bucks prepare for the new season, the team's success heavily relies on Middleton's ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level. His presence on the court alongside league MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo is crucial to Milwaukee's championship aspirations. Balancing Middleton’s participation in games and ensuring his long-term health will be a critical task for the Bucks' coaching and medical staff.
Looking Forward
The anticipation and optimism surrounding Middleton's return are palpable among fans and within the organization. While cautious in their approach, the Bucks are confident that their forward's offseason adjustments will pay dividends in the regular season and beyond. With a focus on conditioning and strategic participation in training camp, the stage is set for Middleton to build on his resilience and aim for a successful, injury-free season.