Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a busy offseason, as he underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address multiple injuries that plagued him throughout the last season. Despite these setbacks, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season.
Persistent Injuries and Procedures
The origins of Middleton's left ankle injury trace back to February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper, resulting in a sprain. This injury lingered for the remainder of the season. Durant was called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space, highlighting the severity of the incident. To address this, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle.
In addition to this, Middleton 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 clearly impacted the Bucks' past performances.
Impact on the Bucks
Last season, Middleton was limited to just 33 games due to knee issues, including an MCL sprain he suffered in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs. Milwaukee was subsequently eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the second round during those playoffs.
However, there is hope on the horizon for the Bucks as Middleton has already started light court work with an eye on being fully prepared for opening night. His health and availability are crucial for Milwaukee’s success this upcoming season.
Offseason Moves
The Bucks have been active in the offseason, signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. The most notable move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This move added another marquee player to the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo, although integrating Lillard has proven more challenging than anticipated.
The pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, raising concerns about chemistry and fluidity in their offensive schemes. Nonetheless, the potential for a dynamic duo remains tantalizing for Bucks' fans and team officials alike.
Concerns and Strategic Adjustments
Age and durability are looming concerns for Milwaukee. Brook Lopez, now 36 years old, and Damian Lillard, who just turned 34, add to the team's aging roster. Given these factors, along with Middleton's return from multiple injuries, the Bucks' path forward is fraught with challenges.
The Athletic's Shams Charania aptly noted, “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 insight underscores the necessity for Milwaukee to adapt strategically, focusing on maximizing their offensive potential to compensate for the defensive gaps created by the trade.
As Middleton edges closer to full fitness and the team integrates new additions, the Bucks' performance in the early part of the season will be closely scrutinized. The ability to blend talent, manage player health, and execute a potent offense will be critical factors in determining their success in the competitive NBA landscape.