Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a rather eventful offseason, marked by arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These procedures were crucial to address multiple injuries that hampered his performance throughout the last season. Despite his challenges, the outlook for Middleton remains optimistic as he is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season.
Injury Timeline and Surgeries
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to a mishap on February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper, leading to a sprain that persisted for the remainder of the season. The incident not only affected Middleton's play but also resulted in Durant receiving a flagrant foul for encroaching upon Middleton’s landing space.
To alleviate the lingering impact of this injury, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle. In mid-June, he also had a minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up residual issues from a sprain sustained during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. Given these extensive efforts, it’s clear that Middleton’s health was a significant concern for the Bucks’ medical team.
Impact on the Bucks
The repercussions of Middleton's injuries were evident in the Bucks' performances. Last season, he was limited to just 33 games due to knee issues, and a previous MCL sprain in the 2022 playoffs further compounded his struggles. These setbacks undoubtedly had a ripple effect on the team's dynamics and contributed to Milwaukee's elimination at the hands of the Boston Celtics in a fiercely contested seven-game series during the second round of those playoffs.
Looking Ahead
Despite the challenges, Middleton has already begun light court work with an eye on being fully prepared for opening night. His return to form will be integral to the team's aspirations moving forward, especially given the roster changes during the offseason.
Roster Overhaul
The Bucks have made significant moves to bolster their squad, signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. However, the most notable change came in the form of a trade that sent Jrue Holiday to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Damian Lillard.
Integrating the 34-year-old Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has been more challenging than anticipated. The much-anticipated pick-and-roll dynamic between Lillard and Antetokounmpo failed to develop as smoothly as hoped last season. This integration issue, coupled with the age and durability concerns surrounding key players like Brook Lopez, who is now 36, adds layers of complexity to Milwaukee's game plan this season.
As the Bucks adjust to these changes, there’s a recognition that the strategy must evolve accordingly. Shams Charania of The Athletic 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 shift underscores the importance of Middleton’s recovery—without his scoring prowess and defensive reliability, the Bucks' ability to maintain an elite offense could be significantly hindered.
Conclusion
In sum, Khris Middleton's health and performance will play a pivotal role in the Milwaukee Bucks' upcoming season. With a renewed focus on offensive strength and strategic adjustments following key roster changes, the Bucks are set for an intriguing journey ahead. As Middleton continues his rehabilitation and the team integrates new and veteran talent alike, Milwaukee's path to success will depend greatly on the seamless execution of these multiple moving parts.