Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a notably turbulent offseason, marked by pivotal arthroscopic surgeries on both of his ankles. These procedures were deemed necessary after an array of injuries hindered his performance throughout the last season.
An Offseason of Recovery for Middleton
The left ankle injury that has troubled Middleton can be traced back to February 6. During a game, he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. This misstep resulted in a sprain that nagged him for the remainder of the season, causing noticeable disruptions in his gameplay. Notably, Durant was called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space.
In mid-June, Middleton underwent a minor arthroscopic surgery to address lingering issues from a sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These combined injuries have undeniably impacted the Bucks’ past performances, limiting Middleton to only 33 games last season due to knee issues. The impact was felt deeply during the playoffs, where Milwaukee was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round during the 2022 playoffs.
Current reports suggest that Middleton has already commenced light court work, intending to be fully prepared for the upcoming season opener. His recovery is crucial for the Bucks, who rely heavily on his skills and experience.
Adjustments and New Faces in Milwaukee
This offseason has not just been about Middleton's recovery. The Bucks have also made significant roster changes. Notable among these is the trade of Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This move signals a significant shift in Milwaukee’s strategy, especially given Lillard's elite scoring ability. However, the trade has not come without its challenges.
Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo proved more challenging than anticipated. The pick-and-roll synergy between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, signaling potential initial growing pains for the team.
Meanwhile, the Bucks signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. These additions bring depth to the roster, offering the Bucks more rotational flexibility. Nonetheless, the loss of Jrue Holiday has raised concerns, particularly about the team’s perimeter defense.
As The Athletic's Shams Charania succinctly put it, “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.”
Age and Durability: Ongoing Concerns
Another critical aspect to consider is the age and durability of the current Bucks roster. Brook Lopez, now 36, and Damian Lillard, who recently turned 34, are both in the later stages of their careers. The physical toll of an NBA season is significant, and their ability to maintain peak performance over the course of the year remains a question mark.
Despite these challenges, the Bucks have their sights set on a successful season. The combination of experienced players and new additions has the potential to create a dynamic and formidable team, provided they can navigate early obstacles and build the necessary chemistry on the court.
Looking Forward
Middleton's full recovery and return to form will be vital for the Bucks as they aim to overcome the hurdles of integrating new players and addressing concerns about age and durability. With an eye on opening night, the team and its fans are hopeful that Middleton will showcase his resilience and reinforce Milwaukee’s bid for another deep playoff run.
As the season approaches, it will be fascinating to watch how these storylines unfold and whether the Bucks can leverage their offseason moves to secure success on the court.