Khris Middleton's Road to Recovery
Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has navigated a challenging offseason, marked by a series of arthroscopic surgeries on both his ankles. These procedures were critical to address multiple injuries Middleton had been battling all through the last season.
Despite the hurdles, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season. His left ankle injury, which traces back to February 6, was a significant setback. The injury occurred when Middleton landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot following a jumper attempt. This incident resulted in a lingering sprain for the remainder of the season and saw Durant being called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middelton’s landing space.
The surgery on his left ankle was an arthroscopic procedure aimed at cleaning up residual issues from that initial sprain. Additionally, Middleton underwent minor arthroscopic surgery in mid-June to address problems stemming from a sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
These injuries have undeniably impacted the Bucks' performance in recent seasons. Last year, Middleton was limited to just 33 games due to knee issues. His troubles began with an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs. The Bucks were ultimately eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round of the 2022 playoffs.
A New Season, New Challenges for Milwaukee
In preparation for the upcoming season, Middleton has already begun light court work, with the focus on being fully prepared for opening night. However, Middleton's health isn’t the only change the Bucks are grappling with as they head into a new chapter.
The Bucks made significant roster moves this offseason. They signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. Furthermore, Milwaukee traded Jrue Holiday in a blockbuster deal to acquire Damian Lillard. While this exchange is strategic, it doesn’t come without its challenges.
Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. The pick-and-roll dynamic between Lillard and Antetokounmpo has yet to develop as smoothly as hoped, which could have a critical impact on their strategy and performance.
Age and Durability: Key Concerns
In addition to Middleton's recovery and roster changes, age and durability remain significant concerns for Milwaukee. Brook Lopez, a cornerstone of the team, is now 36 years old, while Damian Lillard just turned 34. These factors contribute to the overarching worry regarding the team's longevity and performance stability throughout the season.
Regarding their defensive strategies, the departure of Jrue Holiday is perhaps a double-edged sword. As Shams Charania of The Athletic 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.”
The upcoming season will test the Bucks' resolve and adaptability. With critical players returning from injury and new talents being integrated, Milwaukee's ability to contend at the highest level will be under scrutiny. The team's success will depend on their ability to harmonize new and old dynamics while ensuring key players maintain their fitness.
As the Bucks prepare to launch their campaign, all eyes will be on Middleton and his ability to bounce back from injury, as well as the team’s efforts to build a cohesive unit capable of thriving amidst the challenges. The road ahead is demanding, but the potential for success remains firmly within reach for this resilient Milwaukee squad.