Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a busy offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These procedures were necessary to address multiple injuries that had plagued Middleton throughout the last season. Despite these setbacks, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season.
Recovering From Injuries
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. This incident resulted in a sprain that would linger for the remainder of the season, severely impacting his performance. Kevin Durant was called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space, and the repercussions of this injury were felt by the Bucks throughout the season.
To address the issue, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle. Additionally, he had a minor arthroscopic surgery in mid-June to clean up lingering issues from a sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These injuries have had a noticeable impact on the Bucks' past performances, limiting Middleton to just 33 games last season due to knee issues and an MCL sprain during the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs. Consequently, Milwaukee was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the second round during the 2022 playoffs.
Looking Forward
With Middleton now undergoing light court work, there's optimism he will be fully prepared for opening night. His return brings a glimmer of hope to a Bucks team facing several challenges this season.
Offseason changes have added to the complexity of Milwaukee's prospects. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, bolstering their roster depth. However, the most significant shift came with the trade of Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This move is designed to enhance the Bucks' offensive firepower, though integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. The pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
Age and Durability Concerns
Age and durability remain ongoing concerns for Milwaukee. Brook Lopez, now 36 years old, and Damian Lillard, who just turned 34, will need careful management throughout the season to maintain their performance levels. Middleton's injuries have only added to the uncertainty, with his health being a critical factor in the Bucks' success.
The athletic abilities of the players and the durability of the team will play pivotal roles this season. As Shams Charania stated, “Given the perimeter defense the Bucks lost by sending out Jrue Holiday in the Lillard trade, they are going to have to win with an elite offense moving forward.” This quote highlights the strategic pivot Milwaukee will need to adopt, relying heavily on their offensive capabilities to offset defensive vulnerabilities.
Middleton's recovery and performance will be closely monitored, as will the developing chemistry between Lillard and Antetokounmpo. Milwaukee's journey this season will be a testament to their adaptability and resilience in the face of both new and lingering challenges.