Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is entering the upcoming NBA season with a renewed sense of optimism, embodying the spirit of resilience and determination. This past offseason, Middleton underwent surgeries on both his ankles. While he has yet to be cleared for full-contact, five-on-five activities, the Bucks anticipate he will be ready for the season opener.
Middleton's journey through rehabilitation has been methodical. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Middleton's involvement in the upcoming training camp but indicated that his participation in live-action drills will be restrained. "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 noted.
A Challenging Road to Recovery
Middleton's ankle issues have been a recurring challenge in his career. Last season was particularly grueling, with significant ankle problems limiting him to just 55 games. A familiar turning point came on February 6, when he sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for almost six weeks. Middleton made his return to the court in late March, only to sprain his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Despite the injury, he continued to play, demonstrating his toughness and commitment to his team.
However, the Bucks' playoff run was cut short by the Pacers in six games. Reflecting on his experiences, Middleton remarked on the importance of understanding his bodily limits and the nature of pain. "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... I'm always going to be learning something about myself and my body as I get older."
Procedures and Preparations
The offseason surgeries addressed the sprains that troubled Middleton throughout the season. Over the past two years, Middleton has also undergone surgeries on his wrist and knee, alongside his recent ankle procedures. Last season, these issues culminated in a restricted playing schedule, with Middleton starting on a minutes limit and avoiding back-to-back games to manage his recovery.
Despite these challenges, Bucks General Manager Jon Horst expressed confidence in Middleton's progress and current health status. "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.
Looking Ahead to Training Camp
The Bucks will commence their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, where Middleton will be an integral part of the team's preparatory activities, albeit in a limited capacity. The team's first preseason game is slated for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, a critical step in setting the tone for the upcoming season.
Middleton's dedication to his recovery and preparation during the offseason reflects his unwavering commitment to his team and personal growth. His ability to navigate through a season marred by injuries and come back with optimism certainly bodes well for the Bucks as they aim for success in the coming NBA season.