Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is embracing an air of optimism as he gears up for the upcoming NBA season. This sentiment comes despite a challenging offseason that saw the talented forward undergo surgeries on both ankles. As the season draws closer, the Bucks are hopeful that Middleton will be ready to hit the court at full strength.
Middleton, who has yet to be cleared for five-on-five action, is expected to partake in the Bucks' training camp, though his participation will be somewhat limited. Head coach Doc Rivers outlined the plan for Middleton's involvement, 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."
Last season was anything but smooth sailing for Middleton, who found himself grappling with significant ankle issues. His struggles began in early February when he sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. Despite this setback, he made a return to the court in late March, only to face another hurdle when he sprained his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Admirably, Middleton did not miss any games following this second injury, though the Bucks eventually succumbed to the Pacers in six games.
Offseason Recovery
The surgical procedures Middleton underwent during the offseason were directly related to the sprains that plagued him throughout the season. This is not the first time Middleton has faced such challenges; in the past two seasons, he has also had surgeries on his wrist and knee. Reflecting on his experiences, 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 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."
The Bucks are taking a cautious approach with Middleton's recovery, ensuring he doesn’t rush back into full action prematurely. General Manager Jon Horst provided an update on Middleton's status, emphasizing the positive progress he’s made. "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 said.
Training Camp Outlook
The Bucks will open their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, where Middleton will be integrating back into team activities, albeit with some limitations. While he won’t be engaging in extensive live-action drills, Middleton will still be very much involved in conditioning work and non-contact drills. This measured approach aims to ensure that he avoids any setbacks and is in optimal shape for the commencement of the regular season.
One key date to watch is October 6, when the Bucks are slated to play their first preseason game against the Detroit Pistons. This will be a critical juncture in assessing Middleton’s readiness and the effectiveness of his rehabilitation program. The team and fans alike are eagerly anticipating his return to form, hoping that he can leave the injuries behind and make a substantial impact on the court.
As the Milwaukee Bucks look ahead to what they hope will be a successful campaign, having a healthy Khris Middleton will undoubtedly be vital to their aspirations. His versatility and scoring ability are crucial components of the Bucks' offensive arsenal. With a careful and calculated recovery plan in place, the Bucks are optimistic that Middleton will be ready to help lead the charge as the new season unfolds.