Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is entering the new NBA season with a blend of optimism and caution. After undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason, Middleton is yet to be cleared for five-on-five action. Nonetheless, the Bucks are hopeful that he will be ready for the start of the season.
Recovery and Optimism
Middleton’s recent surgeries addressed significant issues that hindered him last season, limiting his participation to just 55 games. Middleton sprained his left ankle during a February matchup against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. Upon his return in late March, he soon faced another hurdle, spraining his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, Middleton pushed through the pain, not missing any more games despite the injury. However, the Bucks' campaign ended in disappointment, as they were eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
Reflecting on his injury struggles, Middleton shared insights into his resilience and understanding of his body's limits. "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," he said. "I'm always going to be learning something about myself and my body as I get older."
Training Camp and Precautions
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Middleton’s participation in the upcoming training camp but indicated a cautious approach. "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.
General Manager Jon Horst echoed this sentiment, reassuring fans about 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 revealed.
The Bucks' training camp will be held at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, providing a fresh environment for the team to bond and prepare. While Middleton will be limited in live action, his involvement in non-contact drills indicates a strategic approach to his recovery, ensuring that he hits the ground running when the season commences.
A History of Setbacks
Over the past two seasons, Middleton has faced a series of injuries, including surgeries on his wrist, knee, and ankles. These setbacks forced the Bucks to manage his minutes carefully, especially at the start of last season, where he played on a limited minutes schedule and avoided back-to-back games.
Despite these challenges, Middleton’s presence on the court remains invaluable to the Bucks. His ability to push through injuries and still perform at a high level is a testament to his dedication and mental toughness. With the upcoming preseason game against the Detroit Pistons on October 6, the Bucks and their fans will be eagerly watching Middleton’s progress.
Looking Forward
As the Bucks gear up for the new season, Middleton’s health and readiness will be pivotal. His experience and leadership are integral to the team’s success, especially as they navigate the highly competitive landscape of the NBA. The calculated approach to his rehabilitation and training is designed to optimize his performance while minimizing the risk of further injuries.
Middleton’s journey through rehabilitation and recovery embodies the determination and professionalism expected at this level of sport. While cautious optimism surrounds his return, the collaborative effort between Middleton, the coaching staff, and the medical team aims to ensure that the Bucks can rely on their star forward when it matters most.
In the words of Middleton, the ongoing learning process about his body and limits is a continuous journey. "It's just experience, going through the years and talking to other people that's been through similar situations," he remarked. Such wisdom will be crucial as he aims to make a significant impact this season.