Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is heading into the forthcoming NBA season with a sense of optimism after undergoing surgeries on both ankles during the offseason. Although Middleton is not yet cleared for five-on-five action, the Bucks are hopeful he will be ready in time for the season's start.
During a recent press conference, Bucks head coach Doc Rivers shared an update regarding Middleton’s participation in the training camp. "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.
General Manager Jon Horst echoed Rivers' optimism, providing further insight into Middleton’s recovery. "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 explained.
Middleton’s journey through injuries has been a challenging one. Last season, the veteran forward was restricted to just 55 games due to persistent ankle issues. A significant left ankle injury occurred on February 6 during a game against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. Despite returning to action in late March, Middleton faced another setback when he sprained his right ankle in Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, Middleton didn’t miss any games following this injury, although the Bucks eventually fell to the Pacers in six games.
Reflecting on his experiences with injuries and recovery, Middleton discussed his evolving approach to managing his physical health. "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 noted. "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 offseason surgeries Middleton underwent were directly related to the sprains suffered during the season. Over the past two seasons, he has dealt with surgeries not only on his ankles but also on his wrist and knee. This history of injuries has had a significant impact on his availability and performance, prompting the Bucks to be cautious with his minutes and participation in back-to-back games last season.
As the Bucks prepare for training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, there will be a keen focus on Middleton’s progress and readiness. The preseason opener against the Detroit Pistons on October 6 will be an important milestone as the team evaluates his physical condition and ability to contribute at a high level.
With Middleton's return being closely monitored, the Bucks are hopeful that their forward will navigate through this recovery period successfully and regain the form that has made him an integral part of the team’s success in recent years. The commitment to managing his workload carefully demonstrates the organization's dedication to preserving his health and maximizing his impact on the court.
As the new NBA season approaches, Middleton’s health and performance will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch. Both the Bucks and their fans eagerly await his full return, hoping for a season that brings fewer injuries and more victories.