Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is gearing up for the upcoming NBA season with renewed optimism, despite undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason. As he focuses on his recovery, the Bucks are hopeful Middleton will be ready to hit the ground running when the season kicks off.
Overcoming Challenges
Middleton's past season was marred by significant ankle issues, limiting his participation to just 55 games. The struggles began on February 6, when he sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. He made his return in late March but then faced another setback, spraining his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Although he did not miss any games following the right ankle injury, the Bucks were eventually eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
The left and right ankle injuries during the season necessitated surgeries over the summer, adding to a list of procedures Middleton has undergone in the past two years, including wrist and knee surgeries. Last season, Middleton started on a minutes limit and avoided playing in back-to-back games to manage his condition.
Middleton's Readiness for Training Camp
Despite not being cleared for five-on-five action yet, there is cautious optimism surrounding Middleton's return. Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Middleton's participation in the team's training camp, which will be held at UC-Irvine's campus in California. "He'll participate in camp. We won't have him doing a lot of live action, coming off the surgery and all that," Rivers said, emphasizing the importance of managing Middleton's workload. "But all our skeleton work, all our transition work, our transition defense, our conditioning work, he'll be on the floor with us."
Bucks general manager Jon Horst echoed Rivers' sentiments regarding Middleton's recovery and involvement in training camp activities. "Khris is doing really well. It's just a normal offseason clean-up procedure," Horst explained. "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."
The Importance of Self-Awareness
As Middleton prepares for the season ahead, he reflects on the lessons learned from his past experiences with injuries. "Knowing my limits, knowing what pain is, knowing what you can play through and when it's not smart playing through," Middleton shared. "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."
This newfound self-awareness could be a crucial factor in how Middleton manages his health and contributes to the team throughout the season. The Bucks are counting on his presence and performance, especially with their first preseason game on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons fast approaching.
Looking Ahead
While the road to recovery is still ongoing for Middleton, the collective effort of the Bucks' medical staff and coaching team aims to ensure that their star forward can perform at his best come the start of the season. With Middleton set to take part in non-contact activities during training camp, the cautious approach could pave the way for a steady return to full action. The Bucks' training camp, strategy sessions, and preseason matchups will serve as a crucial period for assessing Middleton's readiness and making any necessary adjustments.
Ultimately, the Bucks are optimistic that Middleton's journey through surgeries and rehabilitation will culminate in a successful return to the court, bolstering their efforts for the season. As he readies himself for another NBA campaign, Middleton's resilience and determination will undoubtedly play a key role in the Bucks' aspirations for success.