Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a busy offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address multiple injuries that plagued him throughout the last season. With the upcoming season fast approaching, the Bucks' faithful will be relieved to know that Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the campaign.
Addressing Lingering Issues
The root of Middleton's left ankle injury can be traced back to an incident on February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. This unfortunate event resulted in a sprain that lingered for the rest of the season. Durant was called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space, but the damage was already done. Middleton's left ankle required an arthroscopic procedure to clean up the issues from that sprain.
In mid-June, Middleton had another minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up lingering issues from a sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These surgeries were crucial for the Bucks forward, whose injuries have significantly impacted the team's past performances.
Impact on Team Performance
Last season, knee issues limited Middleton to just 33 games. His injuries were a key factor in the Bucks' struggles, as they missed his scoring and leadership on the court. During the 2022 playoffs, Middleton suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls, further hampering the Bucks' title aspirations. Ultimately, Milwaukee was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the second round.
Despite these setbacks, Middleton has already started light court work with an eye on being fully prepared for opening night. His return to form will be pivotal for the Bucks as they look to improve upon last season's performance.
Offseason Moves and Challenges
The Bucks have been active in the offseason, signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. However, the most significant move came with the trade of Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. The highly-anticipated pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, leaving the team with concerns about chemistry and on-court synergy.
Age and durability are additional challenges for Milwaukee heading into the new season. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, and Damian Lillard just turned 34. The team's ability to stay healthy will be a critical factor in their pursuit of success.
Shams Charania of The Athletic pointed out, “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 shift in strategy underscores the importance of Middleton's health and contributions on both ends of the floor.
Outlook for the Season
As the Bucks gear up for the upcoming season, much will hinge on the recovery and performance of Khris Middleton. His offseason surgeries were essential to ensure he can return to peak form and support Milwaukee's revised game plan. With Middleton back in the lineup, alongside the new additions and the established core of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the Bucks will aim to reassert themselves as a powerhouse in the Eastern Conference.
Middleton's resilience and determination to overcome his injuries are emblematic of the team's larger aspirations. With a focus on developing elite offensive strategies and maintaining player health, the Bucks look to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season and make a deep playoff run. The road ahead may be fraught with obstacles, but with Middleton's expected return and the bolstered roster, there is cautious optimism in Milwaukee.