Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is gearing up for the upcoming NBA season with a renewed sense of optimism. After undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the off-season, Middleton is set to make his return. However, he has yet to be cleared for five-on-five action, a crucial step in his full comeback to the court.
Despite this, there is hope within the Bucks organization that Middleton will be ready for the season opener. Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Middleton's participation in training camp, though he will be limited in live-action activities. "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 stated.
Ankle Troubles Last Season
The 2022-2023 season was a tumultuous one for Middleton, who faced significant ankle issues that restricted him to just 55 games. A crucial moment came on February 6, when he sprained his left ankle during a match against the Phoenix Suns. This injury sidelined him for nearly six weeks before he managed to return in late March.
However, Middleton's ankle woes didn’t end there. He sprained his right ankle during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Yet, displaying his resilience, Middleton did not miss any games following that injury. Unfortunately, the Bucks’ postseason journey was cut short, with the Pacers eliminating them in six games.
The off-season saw Middleton undergoing surgeries to address the sprains he suffered during the season. This added to his history of medical procedures, which include surgeries on his wrist, knee, and now both ankles over the past two seasons. Reflecting on his physical challenges, 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."
Looming Optimism Ahead of Training Camp
Despite the setbacks, there is a positive outlook surrounding Middleton's recovery and readiness for the season. General Manager Jon Horst expressed his confidence in Middleton’s condition, stating, "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."
The Bucks will hold their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, an essential period for Middleton to reintegrate with the team and regain his form albeit in a controlled environment. His activities will be largely restricted to non-contact drills, where conditioning and strategic work take precedence.
Season Relies on Smart Management
It's clear that Milwaukee is taking a cautious yet calculated approach to Middleton’s recovery. Last season, he began on a minutes limit and was advised against playing back-to-back games to minimize the risk of re-injury. This season, similar precautions may be in place to ensure his longevity and overall contribution throughout the campaign.
Middleton himself is approaching the situation with a seasoned perspective, indicating his commitment to playing smart: "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."
The Bucks’ first preseason game is set for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, marking the first real test of Middleton’s offseason regimen and rehabilitation. As the team looks forward to a successful season, much will hinge on Middleton’s ability to stay healthy and perform consistently.
With the preseason approaching and training camp set to commence, all eyes will be on Middleton and how effectively he can navigate his recovery process, contributing to the Bucks' quest for success in the new season.