Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a taxing offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both of his ankles. These procedures were necessary to address multiple injuries that had hampered Middleton throughout the last season. Despite these setbacks, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season.
A Lingering Battle with Injuries
Middleton's left ankle injury traces back to February 6, when he awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. This incident led to a sprain that would trouble him for the remainder of the season. Durant was penalized with a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space. As a result, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle.
In mid-June, Middleton had 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 injuries have significantly impacted the Bucks' past performances, limiting Middleton to just 33 games last season due to knee issues. Additionally, Middleton suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs, leading to the Bucks' elimination by the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the second round.
Despite the setbacks, Middleton has already started light court work, focusing on being fully prepared for opening night.
Offseason Moves and Future Prospects
The Bucks made several strategic moves this offseason to bolster their lineup. They signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals and traded Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. The addition of Lillard, however, has not been without its challenges. Integrating the star guard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo proved more difficult than anticipated. The pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
Adding to the list of concerns, Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, and Damian Lillard just turned 34, raising questions about age and durability for the team throughout this season. The new dynamics brought about by these roster changes will undoubtedly require adjustments and strategic planning by the Bucks' coaching staff.
“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,” The Athletic's Shams Charania aptly noted.
The Road Ahead
As the Bucks prepare for the upcoming season, the fitness of key players like Middleton will be under constant monitoring. Their success will hinge not only on the health and durability of their stars but also on the effective integration of new talent like Lillard. The team will need to find a balance between maintaining a high-octane offense and shoring up their defense, especially after losing a stalwart perimeter defender like Holiday.
With a mix of experienced veterans and skilled newcomers, the Bucks have the potential to make a significant impact. However, achieving their goals will depend on overcoming the physical challenges and building strong on-court chemistry.
As Middleton works toward a full recovery and the team adapts to the changes in its roster, the upcoming season promises to be a test of endurance, strategy, and cohesion for the Milwaukee Bucks. The franchise and its fans will be hoping that the effort put in during this offseason translates to success on the court, propelling the team towards contention in an intensely competitive league.