at 
As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, both Khris Middleton of the Milwaukee Bucks and Kawhi Leonard of the Los Angeles Clippers are managing ongoing injuries that could impact their early-season performance. While both players are determined to return to the court, their respective recoveries from surgeries are shaping their preparation for the season opener on October 23.
Khris Middleton’s Recovery Slows Bucks Training Camp
Milwaukee Bucks guard Khris Middleton, 33, is still recovering from offseason surgery on both ankles, which will limit his participation in the team’s upcoming training camp in Irvine, California. Bucks coach Doc Rivers announced on Monday that while Middleton will take part in certain drills, he will sit out five-on-five sessions until further notice.
“He’ll participate in camp,” Rivers said. “But we won’t have him doing a lot of live action coming off the surgery. He looks great, though. He’s physically fit and feels great, so we want to keep it that way.”
Middleton, a three-time All-Star, underwent arthroscopic surgery after spraining his left ankle in February and his right ankle during the Bucks’ first-round playoff loss to the Indiana Pacers. Despite the setbacks, Middleton expressed optimism about his recovery.
“Feel great, I’ll leave it at that,” Middleton told reporters. “Ready for training camp. Ready for the season.”
Last season, Middleton was limited to 55 regular-season games due to injury, averaging 15.1 points, 5.3 assists, and 4.7 rebounds. With the Bucks eyeing another deep playoff run, keeping Middleton healthy will be a priority as they head into their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Kawhi Leonard Faces Chronic Knee Issues
Across the league, Los Angeles Clippers star forward Kawhi Leonard is grappling with a more persistent injury. Leonard, also 33, revealed that the right knee inflammation that has plagued him for years could remain an issue for the rest of his career.
Speaking at the Clippers’ media day on Monday, Leonard was candid about his situation. “There’s some stuff we can do or try to do to make me last,” he said. “We’ll see what happens.”
Leonard’s knee problems have required three surgeries since 2021, the most recent occurring this offseason. Despite the ongoing issues, Leonard remains hopeful that he will play in the Clippers’ season opener against the Phoenix Suns.
“As of right now, I think it’s a positive thing to think that I will play. But we’re taking it day-by-day,” Leonard said.
Leonard’s ailing knee limited him to just two playoff games last season and forced him to miss the final eight regular-season games. In 68 games last season, Leonard averaged 23.7 points, 6.1 rebounds, and 1.6 steals.
A Common Struggle for Veteran Stars
Both Middleton and Leonard are key players for their respective teams, and their ability to stay healthy will be crucial as the Bucks and Clippers aim for deep postseason runs. While Middleton’s recovery seems to be progressing well, Leonard faces a more uncertain future with a chronic knee condition. Both stars will be closely monitored by their medical teams as the season unfolds.
The Bucks open their season against the Philadelphia 76ers, while the Clippers face the Phoenix Suns, with both teams hoping their star players can manage their injuries and lead their squads to victory.
