Khris Middleton Faces Daunting Road to Recovery
Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton has endured a challenging offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These surgeries were essential to address multiple injuries that hampered the forward throughout the past season. Despite the setbacks, Middleton is expected to be ready for the upcoming season.
Injury Setbacks
Middleton's injury troubles began on February 6 when he awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after an attempt at a jumper, resulting in a sprain that would nag him for the remainder of the season. Kevin Durant was subsequently called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space, a moment that marked the onset of Middleton's persistent ankle issues.
To mitigate the lingering effects of the sprain, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle. In mid-June, he also had minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up lingering issues from another sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
These injuries profoundly impacted Middleton's performance, limiting him to just 33 games last season. His knee issues were a significant detriment to the Bucks, who struggled to maintain consistency without their star forward.
Past Playoff Woes
Middleton’s injury struggles are not new. During the 2022 playoffs, he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls, a blow that significantly weakened the Bucks’ postseason campaign. The team was ultimately eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Despite these setbacks, Middleton has already started light court work in preparation for opening night, demonstrating his resilience and determination to return stronger than ever. His recovery is crucial for the Bucks, as his performance often dictates the team’s success.
Bucks' Roster Changes
In addition to Middleton's recovery, the Bucks are navigating significant roster changes this offseason. The team has signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, aiming to bolster their depth and versatility.
One of the most notable moves this offseason was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. While this trade brought offensive firepower, it also came at the cost of perimeter defense. As The Athletic's Shams Charania noted, “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 Concerns
Age and durability are emerging concerns for the Bucks. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, and Damian Lillard just turned 34. Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated, with their pick-and-roll plays not developing as smoothly as hoped last season.
The Bucks are in a phase where balancing the dynamics of their roster and addressing injury concerns will be critical to their success in the forthcoming season. Middleton’s health and performance will be pivotal to Milwaukee’s prospects, and the team’s ability to adapt to new additions and potential limitations will define their journey ahead.