Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has been navigating a demanding offseason, marked by necessary medical interventions. Following a season plagued by injuries, Middleton underwent arthroscopic procedures on both ankles to address multiple lingering issues.
Injury Timeline and Surgery
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when he awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper, resulting in a sprain. The injury persisted throughout the remainder of the season and was significant enough to require an arthroscopic procedure. Kevin Durant was subsequently called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space.
In mid-June, Middleton also underwent a minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up issues arising from a sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These procedures were crucial to Middleton's recovery, who has already commenced light court work with the goal of being fully prepared for opening night.
Impact on Milwaukee Bucks
The injuries have significantly affected the Bucks' performances in past seasons. Last year, Middleton was limited to just 33 games due to persistent knee issues. His absence was notably felt during the 2022 playoffs, where he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. The absence of their star forward contributed to Milwaukee's elimination by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Recent Acquisitions and Roster Changes
This offseason, the Bucks have made several strategic moves to strengthen their lineup. Notably, the team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. Perhaps the most significant move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. However, integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. The expected pick-and-roll synergy between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
Concerns and Future Outlook
Age and durability continue to be pressing concerns for the Bucks. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, while Damian Lillard just turned 34. These age factors, coupled with Middleton's recovery, add layers of uncertainty to the upcoming season. As The Athletic's Shams Charania observed, “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 Bucks' blueprint for success hinges not just on the offensive prowess expected from Middleton, Lillard, and Antetokounmpo, but also on managing the physical toll on its key players. Middleton’s road to full recovery and successful reintegration into the lineup will play a crucial role in determining Milwaukee's prospects for the season.
As the Bucks prepare for the new season, the focus will undoubtedly be on consolidating their strengths and addressing their vulnerabilities. The adjustments and performances in the initial games will offer valuable insights into how well the team adapts to the changes and how effectively they can leverage their new lineup to achieve their championship ambitions.