Milwaukee Bucks forward and three-time All-Star, Khris Middleton, is expressing optimism about his chances of being ready for the start of the upcoming season, despite his ongoing recovery from knee surgery. Middleton, who signed a lucrative three-year, $102 million contract to remain with the Bucks, has been diligently working on his rehabilitation but remains limited in practice.
Speaking after a recent Bucks’ practice session, Middleton shared his hopeful outlook, stating, “That’s the plan.” He acknowledged that while things can change in the world of sports, he has been progressing according to the expected timeline. Middleton emphasized that he doesn’t want to set a strict return date, emphasizing that his comeback is based on his own sense of comfort and readiness.
While Middleton reports feeling fine, his participation has been limited to individual workouts thus far, marking his return to action after undergoing knee surgery following the Bucks’ early playoff exit at the hands of the Miami Heat.
Bucks’ head coach Adrian Griffin provided reassurance, saying, “No setbacks,” and noted that Middleton remains on course with his recovery, actively engaging in rigorous daily workouts. Observers have commented positively on Middleton’s performance during practices.
The Bucks are set to kick off their preseason schedule, hosting the Chicago Bulls this Sunday. Their regular-season opener is scheduled for October 26th when they welcome the Philadelphia 76ers to Milwaukee.
Reflecting on his journey, Middleton admitted that the recovery process has been gradual but deliberate, following the medical team’s carefully planned schedule. He expressed excitement about the upcoming days and weeks as he intensifies his training and looks forward to a smooth recovery process.
Middleton’s recent injuries have been a source of concern. Last season, he was limited to just 33 games due to wrist surgery and a sore right knee, missing a significant portion of the campaign. His knee issues also plagued him during the 2021-22 playoffs, where he missed the final 10 games of the season due to a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee.
Despite these challenges, Middleton remains optimistic about his physical and mental condition, believing that he is in a great place both physically and mentally. He hopes that this knee injury won’t be a recurring issue in his career, eager to contribute fully to the Bucks’ quest for success in the upcoming season.
