Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a tumultuous offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. The procedures were aimed at addressing a series of injuries that hobbled Middleton throughout the last season. Despite these setbacks, Middleton is expected to be ready for the upcoming season, a development that will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.
Khris Middleton's Injury Plight
The origins of Middleton's left ankle issues trace back to February 6, when he awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after a jumper attempt, leading to a persistent sprain. In an incident that further marred the season, Durant was called for a flagrant foul for impeding Middleton’s landing space. This sprain lingered throughout the remainder of the season, leading to an arthroscopic procedure to finally address the lingering issues.
In mid-June, Middleton underwent another minor arthroscopic surgery, this time to clean up complications from a sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. Injuries continued to plague the Bucks' forward, limiting him to just 33 games last season due to persistent knee issues. Furthermore, Middleton's MCL sprain during the first round against the Chicago Bulls in the 2022 playoffs was a significant blow to Milwaukee, resulting in their eventual elimination by the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series in the second round.
The Bucks' Adjustments and New Acquisitions
This offseason, the Bucks have made significant moves in preparation for the new challenges ahead. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. However, the most notable transaction was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. While Lillard's addition brings promise, integrating him into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. The chemistry between Lillard and Antetokounmpo, particularly their pick-and-roll dynamics, did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
As The Athletic's Shams Charania 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.” This signifies a strategic shift for the Bucks, who will need to rely heavily on offensive prowess to counterbalance their defensive gaps, especially against high-caliber competitors.
Age and Durability Concerns
In addition to the integration challenges, the age and durability of key players present another layer of complexity for Milwaukee. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, and recently-acquired Damian Lillard just turned 34. The advancing age of these crucial players raises questions about their ability to sustain performance levels and withstand the rigors of an intense NBA season.
Moreover, Middleton's health will remain a focal point. Early reports suggest that he has already started light court work with the goal of being fully prepared for the opening night. However, given his recent history, every move will be scrutinized to ensure that he can withstand the physical demands of a complete season.
The Bucks find themselves in a delicate balancing act. On one hand, they have bolstered their lineup with significant talent. On the other, they must navigate the uncertainties around player integration, age, and injury resilience. The upcoming season will undoubtedly test the mettle of the Milwaukee Bucks, as they aim to synergize their new and existing talents into a cohesive, championship-contending unit.