As the Milwaukee Bucks gear up for the new NBA season, the focus is firmly on forward Khris Middleton, who is approaching the season with a mix of optimism and caution. Over the offseason, Middleton addressed lingering issues by undergoing surgeries on both ankles. While he hasn't been cleared for full five-on-five action yet, the Bucks are optimistic about his readiness for the start of the season.
“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,” said head coach Doc Rivers.
Middleton’s recent history has been marred by injuries. Last season, he was restricted to just 55 games due to persistent ankle issues. A left ankle sprain on February 6 sidelined him for nearly six weeks. Although he did make a return in late March, the injury woes didn't end there. In Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers, he sprained his right ankle. Remarkably, he played through it, but the Bucks eventually fell to the Pacers in six games.
The summer surgeries were a direct response to these sprains and were part of what Jon Horst, the Bucks’ general manager, labeled as a “normal offseason clean-up procedure.” “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 stated.
The turbulence in Middleton’s recent seasons is not limited to his ankles. Over the last two years, he has also undergone surgeries on his wrist and knee, contributing to his cautious approach to the upcoming season. Middleton’s experiences have made him more attuned to his physical limits and the distinction between pain he can play through and pain that necessitates rest.
“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 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,” Middleton reflected.
Despite the setbacks, the Bucks are confident in Middleton’s capacity to contribute significantly this season. Starting last season on a minutes limit and avoiding back-to-back games was part of the strategy to keep him healthy. This cautious yet optimistic approach will likely continue as Middleton integrates back into the team during their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California.
The Bucks’ first preseason game is on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, a date that looms large as a potential indicator for how Middleton’s recovery is progressing. While he will be limited in live-action activities during the training camp, his presence on the floor will be critical for both team morale and tactical preparations.
As Middleton navigates these physical challenges, the Bucks have clearly articulated their support and strategic approach towards his long-term fitness. His experience, both in games and now in dealing with injuries, has provided him with a deeper understanding of his body. This insight, combined with the medical team’s careful management, will be crucial as Milwaukee aims to make a strong run in the upcoming NBA season.
The collective sentiment within the Bucks organization is one of cautious optimism. With a carefully managed recovery plan and Middleton's own matured approach to his health, the forward is set to embark on a season that he and the Bucks hope marks a return to his peak performance levels.