Milwaukee Bucks' Khris Middleton Eager to Return Despite Injury Concerns
As the new NBA season approaches, Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is embracing optimism despite coming off a challenging offseason marked by surgeries on both ankles. The veteran forward, who encountered significant ankle troubles last season, is on a road to recovery that has the Bucks hopeful for a strong start.
In the offseason, Middleton underwent surgeries to address sprains he suffered during the previous year. These procedures aim to resolve the lingering ankle issues that restricted him to just 55 games last season. His injuries were further aggravated by a sprain to his left ankle during a game against the Phoenix Suns on February 6, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. Middleton made his return in late March, but in a twist of misfortune, he then sprained his right ankle during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Remarkably, he did not miss any games following this injury, although the Bucks were ultimately eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
The surgeries Middleton underwent were necessary "clean-up" procedures, as elucidated by Bucks General Manager Jon Horst. "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 confirmed. This optimistic update is a positive sign for the Bucks, who are counting on Middleton's skills and leadership to make a significant impact this season.
Head coach Doc Rivers also indicated that while Middleton will participate in the Bucks' training camp at UC-Irvine’s campus in California, his activity will be managed carefully. "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 said. This cautious approach ensures that Middleton rebuilds his strength without over-exerting his recovering ankles.
Middleton’s experience with injuries has been a pivotal learning curve for him. Reflecting on the past few seasons, he shared insights into his evolving understanding of his physical limits. "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. 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 remarked.
This nuanced understanding of his body's responses is likely to be a crucial factor in how Middleton approaches the grueling NBA schedule. Last season saw him start on a minutes limit, consciously avoiding back-to-back games to manage his health. With the new season on the horizon, a similar cautious approach might be necessary to ensure that he remains an integral part of the Bucks' roster.
The Bucks are optimistic that Middleton will be ready to take the floor for their first preseason game on October 6 against the Detroit Pistons. The excitement and anticipation for Middleton's return are palpable, not just within the team but among fans who recognize the key role he plays in Milwaukee's success.
The coming weeks will be critical as Middleton continues his rehabilitation and integrates back into full team activities. His presence on the court, even in a limited capacity during training camp, is a positive indication that he is on the right path to recovery. As the Bucks aim to bounce back stronger this season, the health and performance of Khris Middleton will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their quest for NBA glory.