Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has experienced a demanding offseason, marked by a series of medical procedures intended to address injuries sustained during the last NBA season. This period of rehabilitation and recovery began with arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles aimed at alleviating the pain and issues that hampered his performance.
The origins of Middleton's challenges can be traced back to an incident on February 6. While attempting a jumper, Middleton landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot, resulting in a left ankle sprain that would affect him for the remainder of the season. This injury, combined with other lingering issues, necessitated an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle.
In addition to his February injury, Middleton faced setbacks during Milwaukee's playoff run. He suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs. The Bucks, despite Middleton's efforts, were ultimately eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Such recurring injuries have not only limited Middleton's personal contributions but have also impacted the Bucks' overall performance. Last season, he was confined to just 33 games due to persistent knee issues. To address these compounding problems, Middleton underwent another minor arthroscopic surgery in mid-June, targeting residual complications from a sprain during the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
Optimism for the New Season
Despite these hurdles, Middleton has already commenced light court work, with ambitions to be fully prepared for the upcoming season's opening night. His recovery and readiness will be critical for the Bucks, who have undergone significant roster changes in the offseason.
Among these changes, the most notable is the trade involving Jrue Holiday and Damian Lillard. While this move aimed to bolster the team's offensive capabilities, it also raised questions about their defensive strength. According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, "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."
Strategic Adjustments and Challenges
The arrival of Lillard, combined with the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, presents both opportunities and challenges. Integrating Lillard into the lineup has proven more complicated than anticipated, particularly with respect to developing a seamless pick-and-roll dynamic with Antetokounmpo—a strategy that did not mature as expected last season.
Furthermore, age and durability remain significant concerns for Milwaukee. Brook Lopez, a key veteran for the team, is now 36 years old, and Lillard recently turned 34. These factors contribute to the uncertainty regarding the team's long-term stability and performance.
To support their ambitions, the Bucks also added Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright on minimum-salary deals. These acquisitions are expected to provide depth and versatility, compensating for some of the defensive gaps left by Holiday's departure.
Ultimately, Middleton's health and performance will be pivotal as the Bucks navigate the challenges of the upcoming season. His ability to return to form could significantly influence Milwaukee's pursuit of success, particularly in the face of the heightened competition and internal adjustments. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Middleton and the revamped Bucks lineup, assessing whether these strategic moves will elevate the team to new heights or present further obstacles in their championship quest.