Bucks Zone

Khris Middleton says he’s on track to be ready for the season opener

Khris Middleton is primed to be on the floor come opening night.

Jonas Panerio

© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
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While most of the attention has been on new acquisition Damian Lillard and resident superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo in recent weeks, one Bucks ace who has flown somewhat under the radar is Khris Middleton. The 11-year veteran has so far been unable to participate in 3-on-3 or even 5-on-5 drills as he continues to recover from knee surgery done in the offseason.

However, the three-time All-Star recently shared some good news with fans who may have been anxious regarding his status for the regular season, saying that barring any change in plans, he'll be on the floor with Lillard, Giannis, and the rest of the Bucks come opening night.

On pace

After going through a difficult season wherein he played in just 33 games due to numerous injuries, Middleton is determined to bounce back and help Milwaukee regain its place top the mountain. He's already been cleared for individual workouts and shooting drills but has yet to be given the green light for full-contact scrimmages.

Middleton explained that while he understands why the team is taking a cautious approach with his recovery, he's confident that he'll be ready when it matters most.

"That’s the plan. I mean, sometimes things change, but so far, I’ve been on pace with everything that I’ve been doing, so we’ll go over the schedule again, see where I’m at, see how I feel. Just keep tracking things that way. I don’t want to set a hard date of when I’ll be out there because it’s all feel and comfort. And they’ve been doing a great job of making sure every step of the way I’ve been feeling great and feeling like myself and so far I have been," Middleton said in a talk with Eric Nehm of The Athletic.

Play smarter

While some younger stars may bicker with their team's medical staff to try and get back on the floor earlier than advised, Middleton knows that the best course of action is to listen to the experts and not risk further injury. 

The former Texas A&M star knows all too well how a single injury can swing a team's season in the wrong direction, so he intends to approach his rehabilitation with the same focus and determination he has on the court.

"As you get older, you get smarter. You realize that they’re trying to protect us as players and have the best and longest career we’re capable of having and this summer, they’ve been doing a great job. Like I said, I’ve been feeling great ever since I started ramping back up. Each week has been a step in the right direction, so not frustrated. It can get annoying at times when you want to try to do things, but not yet. But everything’s been going smoothly," Khris concluded.

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO