Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is entering the new NBA season with a blend of optimism and caution as he recovers from a series of offseason surgeries on both his ankles. The Bucks are mindful of Middleton's physical condition following his struggles with significant ankle issues last season, which limited his participation to just 55 games.
Middleton's recent history of injuries includes a left ankle sprain suffered on February 6 during a game against the Phoenix Suns, which sidelined him for nearly six weeks. He returned to play in late March, only to sprain his right ankle during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Despite the injury, Middleton persevered and did not miss any games in that series, though the Bucks were eventually eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
Discussing Middleton's rehabilitation and readiness for the upcoming season, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers provided an update, 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."
While Middleton has not yet been cleared for five-on-five action, the Bucks remain confident that he will be prepared for the start of the season. General Manager Jon Horst echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the successful progress of Middleton's recovery. "Khris is doing really well. It's just a normal offseason cleanup 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 remarked.
Middleton's journey through injuries has equipped him with valuable insights into managing his physical readiness and knowing his limits. 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 comprehensive rehabilitation process over the offseason, which included surgeries attributed to the sprains he sustained last season, was a necessary step for Middleton, who has previously undergone surgeries on his wrist, knee, and ankles over the past two seasons. As the Bucks prepare for their training camp at UC-Irvine's campus in California, the team will adopt a cautious approach, limiting Middleton's participation in live-action activities to facilitate his full recovery.
Despite these limitations, Middleton's presence during training camp will be valuable for the Bucks as they look to integrate their key players and establish a cohesive unit ahead of the new season. Their first preseason game against the Detroit Pistons on October 6 will be an early litmus test for Middleton's physical capabilities and his potential impact on the court.
Last season, Middleton began with a minutes restriction and avoided playing back-to-back games to manage his recovery from past injuries. As a seasoned veteran, he understands the importance of pacing himself and ensuring he is in peak condition when it matters most. The Bucks are optimistic that this careful approach will pay dividends as they aim for a deep playoff run this season.
The combination of Middleton's experience, the team's proactive approach to his rehabilitation, and the supportive environment fostered by the coaching staff places the Bucks in a favorable position as they gear up for the challenges ahead. With Middleton’s resilience and determination, his journey back to full fitness will be crucial in determining the Bucks' fortunes for the upcoming NBA season.