As the NBA season draws near, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is entering the new campaign with renewed optimism, despite an offseason marked by surgeries on both ankles. Middleton, who has been a pivotal figure for the Bucks, remains hopeful and focused on making a strong return.
Middleton spent the summer recuperating from procedures aimed at addressing the ankle issues that plagued his previous season. These injuries had significantly hampered his performance, limiting him to just 55 games. The turning point came on February 6, when Middleton sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks.
Upon his return in late March, Middleton's resilience was tested once again. He sprained his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Although he managed to avoid missing any games due to this injury, it was clearly a challenging period for the former All-Star. The Bucks eventually saw their playoff run come to an end after falling to the Pacers in six games.
Addressing the surgeries and Middleton's path to recovery, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers said, "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." The Bucks are keen on having Middleton fully integrated into the team, albeit with limitations to ensure his well-being.
The context provided by Bucks general manager Jon Horst further underscores the cautious yet optimistic approach the team is taking. "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," said Horst.
Navigating Through Injuries
Middleton's journey through injuries over the past couple of seasons has been arduous. Apart from the ankle surgeries this offseason, he has also faced procedures on his wrist and knee. The forward's return to the lineup last season was initially marked by strict minutes restrictions and a cautious approach, avoiding consecutive games to mitigate the risk of re-injury.
Reflecting on his experiences, Middleton highlighted the importance of understanding his body and limits. "Knowing my limits, knowing what pain is, knowing what you can play through and when it's not smart playing through," Middleton elaborated. "I've learned that a lot over the last couple of 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."
Anticipating the Upcoming Season
There is a palpable sense of anticipation as the Bucks prepare to kick off training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California. While Middleton will be limited in live-action activities to ensure a careful approach to his recovery, his participation in various drills and conditioning work is a positive sign for the franchise.
The Bucks' preseason schedule kicks off with a game against the Detroit Pistons on October 6, and the team is hopeful that Middleton will be ready to contribute significantly by the start of the regular season. His presence on the court is not only crucial for the Bucks' success but also for setting the tone for a season defined by high expectations.
As the new season looms, Middleton's journey from injury setbacks to recovery epitomizes resilience and determination. Amid uncertainties, his methodical approach to managing his health and performance remains a beacon for aspiring athletes facing similar challenges. With the Bucks backing him fully, Khris Middleton is poised to make an impactful return, carrying with him the lessons learned from seasons past.