Middleton's Optimism for the Upcoming Season Amid Surgeries
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton is entering the new NBA season with a positive outlook, despite having undergone surgeries on both ankles during the offseason. Middleton, a pivotal player for the Bucks, has not yet been cleared for five-on-five action, but the team remains optimistic about his participation as the season approaches. Head coach Doc Rivers confirmed Middleton’s involvement in the Bucks' training camp, although his activities will be limited.
"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 explained. This careful management is expected to ensure Middleton's readiness for the season's start.
The offseason surgeries were necessary due to significant ankle issues Middleton experienced last season, which restricted him to 55 games. His left ankle suffered a sprain on February 6 during a match against the Phoenix Suns, sidelining him for nearly six weeks. He made a return in late March, offering hope and resilience to the Bucks' lineup. However, his troubles did not end there, as he sprained his right ankle during Game 2 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. Despite this injury, Middleton did not miss any subsequent games. Unfortunately, the Bucks were eventually eliminated by the Pacers in six games.
The surgeries Middleton underwent this offseason were directly related to the sprains he suffered during the previous season. Reflecting on his journey, Middleton shared insights into his resilience and learning curve when dealing with injuries. "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.
Middleton's journey through injuries has been challenging. Including the recent surgeries on his ankles, he has also had procedures on his wrist and knee over the past two seasons. Last season, Middleton was managed with a minutes limit and avoided playing in back-to-back games to mitigate the risk of injury. Despite the setbacks, his determination to contribute to the team remains unwavering.
General Manager Jon Horst echoed optimism about Middleton's recovery and readiness to partake in the upcoming training camp. "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 stated. This positive update brings renewed hope to the Bucks' camp as they prepare for the new season.
The Bucks are set to hold their training camp at UC-Irvine's campus in California, providing a fitting backdrop for their preparation. Their first preseason game is scheduled for October 6 against the Detroit Pistons, and the team hopes to see Middleton making strides towards full recovery and readiness by then.
As the Bucks gear up for another competitive season, Middleton's presence and performance remain crucial. The veteran forward's experience, combined with his measured approach to managing his body, will be key factors in the Bucks' quest for success. All eyes will be on Middleton as he navigates his recovery and works towards being an impactful force on the court once again.