Bucks to Start Season Without All-Star Khris Middleton
As the Milwaukee Bucks gear up for their season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers, they are forced to confront an unexpected challenge: the absence of their star forward, Khris Middleton. A staple in Milwaukee’s lineup, Middleton’s absence due to persistent ankle issues puts pressure on the Bucks as they aim for supremacy in the Eastern Conference.
Injury Woes Persist for Middleton
Khris Middleton, a three-time All-Star, has been plagued by injuries recently, a trend that has unfortunately continued into the start of the new season. The Milwaukee forward underwent two surgeries during the offseason in a bid to resolve issues with both of his ankles. Despite these interventions, ankle problems persist, keeping Middleton sidelined as the Bucks begin their quest for another strong season.
The injury troubles for Middleton began earlier this year. He injured his left ankle in February, causing him to miss more than a month of games. Just as he appeared to be regaining form, Middleton's right ankle was compromised during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers.
Reflections on Last Season
Middleton’s struggle with injuries isn't a recent development. During the 2022-23 season, he had sustained a torn ligament in his wrist, necessitating surgery in the offseason. The health woes continued when he underwent knee surgery in 2023, which further limited his time on the court.
Reflecting on his availability in recent seasons, Middleton himself acknowledged the impact of these injuries on his performance. "Having a successful season out there is playing damn near 82 games," he explained, voicing the frustration every professional athlete feels when injuries intervene. "Understanding that there may be a couple games where you can't go because you got kneed to the thigh or something like a bad ankle sprain, those types of things, you miss one or two games. But not playing only 60 games. Anything below 70, 75 games, no, I do not consider that a successful season for me."
Middleton's Warriors
Middleton managed to appear in 55 regular-season games in the 2023-24 season, a marked improvement from his 33-game stint in 2022-23. This participation was crucial for the Bucks as they navigated the competitive landscape of the Eastern Conference. The team, which boasts the significant talents of Giannis Antetokounmpo alongside Middleton, has high aspirations, setting their sights on securing the top spot in the conference.
The Bucks' ambitions hinge significantly on Middleton’s health and ability to be present on the court. His importance to the team cannot be overstated, with his scoring, playmaking, and leadership being pivotal components of Milwaukee’s success over the past several seasons.
Looking Forward
As the Bucks begin their latest campaign, Middleton’s absence is a concern but not a deterrent to their overarching goals. The management and coaching staff are optimistic about his eventual return, knowing that a healthy Middleton adds a formidable edge to their roster.
For Milwaukee, the focus remains on managing Middleton's health without rushing his return. Though absent from the opener against the 76ers, the hope is that these precautionary measures will yield a robust and resilient Middleton for the majority of the season, potentially aiding him in achieving his goal of surpassing that 70-game mark he values so highly.
The road ahead is fraught with challenges, but with their eyes firmly on the prize and a commitment to patience and recovery, the Bucks and Middleton are poised to navigate this latest hurdle together, all in pursuit of Eastern Conference glory.