Milwaukee Bucks' star forward Khris Middleton has had a tumultuous offseason, marked by arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These procedures were crucial for addressing multiple injuries that hampered him throughout the previous season. With much anticipation, Middleton is projected to be ready for the upcoming season's start.
Ongoing Injury Battle
Middleton’s left ankle injury can be traced back to February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after a jumper attempt. The incident caused a lingering sprain, and Durant was subsequently called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space. This mishap necessitated an arthroscopic procedure on Middleton's left ankle to mitigate the damage.
Further complicating Middleton's situation was a minor arthroscopic surgery he underwent in mid-June, aimed at cleaning up issues from a sprain sustained during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These series of injuries undeniably impacted the Bucks’ performances, with Middleton limited to just 33 games last season due to knee issues. His struggle wasn’t isolated to the regular season either; he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs, a factor in Milwaukee's elimination by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Bucks' Off-season Moves
Meanwhile, the Bucks made several significant moves this offseason. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, while orchestrating a blockbuster trade that sent Jrue Holiday to Portland in exchange for Damian Lillard. This trade, however, introduced both excitement and challenges.
Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has been more complicated than initially expected. Their pick-and-roll dynamic did not develop as smoothly as the team had hoped. Additionally, concerns loom over the roster's age and durability. Brook Lopez, a key player, is now 36 years old, while Lillard just turned 34.
Looking Ahead
The Bucks' reliance on an elite offense has become even more critical following the trading of Jrue Holiday. As The Athletic’s Shams Charania pointed out, “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.”
Middleton has already started light court work, focusing on being fully prepared for the season opener. His recovery and return to form are pivotal for the Bucks as they navigate through a challenging transition period and hope to combine their new talents effectively.
As the new season looms, Milwaukee fans and the wider basketball community will be watching closely to see how Middleton's return and the team's new dynamics unfold. With strategic adjustments and the anticipated recovery of their star forward, the Bucks aim to reclaim their dominance on the court, driven by an improved offensive strategy and strategic player integrations.