The Milwaukee Bucks are entering the upcoming NBA season with cautious optimism, buoyed by encouraging updates on forward Khris Middleton's recovery following multiple offseason surgeries.
Middleton's Offseason Odyssey
This summer was anything but restful for Middleton, who underwent surgeries on both ankles. The procedures aimed to address the lingering issues that plagued him throughout the previous season, limiting him to just 55 games. With extensive rehabilitation behind him, Middleton is set to rejoin the Bucks but under certain constraints.
"He'll participate in camp," said head coach Doc Rivers. "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."
A Season Marred by Injuries
Middleton's troubles began in earnest on February 6 when he sprained his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns. The injury sidelined him for six weeks, delaying his return until late March. His woes were compounded in the first round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers, where he sprained his right ankle in Game 2. Although he soldiered through the series without missing any games, the Bucks' postseason run was cut short as they were eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
The surgeries performed during the offseason were a necessary "clean-up" initiative, according to the team. "It's just a normal offseason clean-up procedure," clarified general manager Jon Horst. "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."
Managing Expectations and Workload
As he steps back onto the court, Middleton will continue to navigate the complexities of managing his health and performance. His experience with injuries has imparted valuable lessons regarding his physical limits and pain tolerance.
"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," Middleton shared. "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 Path Forward
The Bucks are cautiously optimistic that Middleton will be ready for the start of the season, even though he has yet to be cleared for full five-on-five action. They are preparing for their training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, a setting where Middleton’s activities will be consciously managed. His minute restrictions and avoidance of back-to-back games last season may serve as a blueprint for his reintegration into regular-season play.
The Bucks' first preseason game, scheduled for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, will be a critical checkpoint in Middleton's journey back to full strength. With careful conditioning and monitored participation, the team hopes to see their star forward regain his full form in time for the season opener.
Given Middleton’s track record of resilience and skill, both the Bucks and their fans are hopeful for a season where he can showcase his talents without the shadow of injury. As the team gears up for another campaign, all eyes will be on how well Middleton adapts and recovers from his tumultuous offseason.