Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is entering the upcoming NBA season with a sense of optimism and determination. After undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason, Middleton is gearing up for his return to the court, although he has yet to be cleared for full five-on-five action. The Bucks are hopeful that he will be ready for the start of the season.
"He'll participate in camp. We won't have him doing a lot of live action, coming off the surgery and all that," said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. "But all our skeleton work, all our transition work, our transition defense, our conditioning work, he'll be on the floor with us."
Last season was a challenging one for Middleton, who was plagued by significant ankle issues. Limited to just 55 games due to these injuries, he had to manage his playing time carefully, starting the season on a minutes limit and avoiding consecutive games. Middleton's left ankle injury, sustained on February 6 during a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelined him for nearly six weeks. He managed to return to play in late March, only to sprain his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, despite this setback, he did not miss any games following the right ankle injury.
The Bucks' postseason run was cut short as they were eliminated by the Pacers in six games. Over the summer, Middleton underwent surgeries to address the sprains he suffered, marking the third straight year he's had to recover from surgical procedures, including previous operations on his wrist and knee. These "clean-up" procedures have become almost routine for Middleton, yet he approaches his rehabilitation with a positive attitude.
"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," said Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. "He'll be a very active participant in camp, so Khris is also healthy."
The toll of recurrent injuries and surgeries has provided Middleton with a wealth of experience in managing his body and understanding his limits. "Knowing my limits, knowing what pain is, knowing what you can play through and when it's not smart playing through," Middleton shared. "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."
As the Bucks commence their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, Middleton will join his teammates, albeit with some limitations in live-action drills. This cautious approach underscores the team's commitment to ensuring he is fully prepared for the demands of the season. Their first preseason game is scheduled for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, a match that could serve as an initial test of Middleton’s progress.
Middleton's return is crucial for the Bucks, whose success hinges significantly on the veteran forward's health and performance. His ability to navigate the rigors of the season, mitigate the wear and tear on his body, and serve as a reliable presence on the floor will be vital for Milwaukee's championship aspirations. With a measured approach to his recovery and a clear focus on being ready for the opening tip-off, Middleton's preparations highlight his resilience and professional dedication.
In a league where injuries can drastically alter the trajectory of a season, Middleton's journey through recovery offers a narrative of perseverance and optimism. His experience, coupled with a strategic and mindful comeback plan, sets the stage for what the Bucks and their fans hope will be a successful campaign. As the season approaches, all eyes will be on Middleton to see how his offseason efforts translate into on-court performance.