Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has been through a whirlwind of an offseason, undergoing multiple arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These procedures were critical to address the injuries that haunted Middleton throughout the previous season but there is optimism as he is expected to be ready for the upcoming NBA campaign.
A Time of Recovery
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to an unfortunate incident on February 6th when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. The resulting sprain lingered, nagging Middleton for the remainder of the season. Notably, Durant was called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space, exacerbating the severity of the injury. Consequently, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle to clean up the lingering effects of the sprain.
Adding to his list of injuries, Middleton had a minor arthroscopic surgery in mid-June to treat issues from a sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These injuries have not only taken a toll on Middleton personally but have significantly impacted the Bucks' past performances.
Impact on the Team
The toll of injuries on Middleton was evident as he was limited to just 33 games last season due to knee issues. Furthermore, during the 2022 playoffs, Middleton suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls, ultimately contributing to Milwaukee’s elimination by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round. Middleton’s absence and limited play due to injuries have been significant setbacks for the Bucks, affecting their performance on the court.
In a bid to bounce back, Middleton has already embarked on light court work, aiming to be fully prepared for opening night. His successful return is crucial for the Bucks as they look to re-establish themselves as championship contenders with a slightly retooled roster.
New Additions and Adjustments
In an active offseason, the Bucks aimed to strengthen their squad by signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. But the most notable move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This blockbuster trade was as much about boosting their offensive firepower as it was about shaking up team dynamics. However, integrating Lillard alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has been less straightforward than anticipated, with their pick-and-roll combinations not developing as smoothly as hoped last season.
Challenges Ahead
With key players like Brook Lopez now 36 years old and Damian Lillard turning 34, age and durability remain pressing concerns for Milwaukee in the upcoming season. The departure of Jrue Holiday, known for his exemplary perimeter defense, places additional pressure on the Bucks to craft an elite offense to make up for the defensive void. As The Athletic's Shams Charania 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.”
As the new NBA season approaches, all eyes will be on the Bucks’ ability to adapt and overcome the challenges posed by injuries and new team dynamics. The health and performance of Khris Middleton, coupled with seamless integration of Damian Lillard into the lineup, will be key determinants of Milwaukee's success in their quest for another championship.