Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is prepping for the upcoming NBA season with a sense of renewed optimism, despite an offseason marked by medical procedures. Middleton underwent surgeries on both ankles over the summer after struggling with significant infections last season, which limited his playing time to just 55 games.
Currently, Middleton hasn’t been cleared for five-on-five action, but he is expected to be ready for the start of the season. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers affirmed Middleton's participation in the team's training camp, though his involvement will be somewhat limited. “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 commented.
Overcoming Past Challenges
Middleton faced numerous challenges last season, starting when he sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 6, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. He made his comeback in late March, only to sprain his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, Middleton didn’t miss any games due to this new injury, though the Bucks were ultimately eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
Reflecting on his recent experience, Middleton noted, "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.”
A Focus on Health
The offseason surgeries that Middleton underwent were targeted at addressing the sprains and issues he battled throughout the season. With surgeries on his wrist, knee, and ankles in the past two seasons, Middleton has developed a nuanced understanding of his physical limits. Starting last season on a minutes limit and avoiding back-to-back games suggests the Bucks were already taking precautions to manage his health efficiently.
Jon Horst, the Bucks' General Manager, provided an upbeat update on Middleton’s 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 assured.
Into Training Camp and Beyond
The Bucks’ training camp will be conducted at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, a backdrop that should facilitate Middleton's transition back to full action. Even though he will be limited in live-action activities during the camp, the structure and time spent on the floor will be crucial for his conditioning and reintegration into team dynamics.
As the preseason opener looms on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, the Bucks and their fans will be monitoring Middleton's progress closely. His health and performance are integral to the team's aspirations for the upcoming season. Middleton’s role as a player and leader is irreplaceable, and ensuring he starts the season strong will be vital for the Bucks’ success.
While Middleton’s journey through injuries has posed several hurdles, his resilience and optimism are noteworthy. The Bucks’ strategic management of his health, coupled with Middleton's own experience and awareness of his limits, positions him well for a strong comeback. As training camp progresses and the season approaches, all eyes will be on how Middleton navigates this critical phase of his career, with the hope that his perseverance will lead to success on the court once more.