Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a busy offseason. The 32-year-old forward underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address various injuries that had plagued him throughout the last season. Despite the grueling recovery process, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season, a reassuring development for the Bucks and their fans.
A Challenging Season Past
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. Durant was subsequently called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space. The incident resulted in a sprain that lingered for the remainder of the season and ultimately necessitated an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle.
Additionally, Middleton had minor arthroscopic surgery in mid-June to clean up lingering issues from a sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These persistent injuries significantly impacted the Bucks' past performances, as Middleton was limited to just 33 games last season due to knee issues. This also included an MCL sprain he suffered in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs, which hampered his availability during Milwaukee’s hard-fought seven-game series against the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Middleton's Recovery and Preparations
Despite the setbacks, Middleton has already begun light court work with an eye on being fully prepared for opening night. His recovery is crucial for the Bucks, as they will heavily rely on his offensive prowess and veteran leadership in the upcoming season. Middleton's presence on the court has been pivotal to the Bucks' success, and his health will be a key factor in their championship aspirations.
Bucks' Roster Changes and Challenges
In other offseason moves, the Bucks have made significant changes to their roster. They signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, aiming to bolster their depth. Moreover, the Bucks traded Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard, adding yet another superstar to their lineup. However, integrating Lillard alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. Last season, the pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped.
Furthermore, age and durability remain concerns for Milwaukee throughout the season. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, while Damian Lillard just turned 34. These factors add an extra layer of complexity to the Bucks' quest for another NBA title.
Key Quote on Defensive Concerns
The trade for Lillard, while beneficial on the offensive end, has its defensive drawbacks. “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,” stated The Athletic's Shams Charania. This highlights the significant shift in the Bucks’ strategy, placing increased emphasis on their offensive capabilities.
As the Bucks prepare for the upcoming season, Milwaukee’s fans will be eagerly watching Middleton's recovery and the new dynamics at play. His return to form and the successful integration of newcomers into the roster will be critical in navigating the challenges that lie ahead. With Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard leading the charge, the Bucks remain one of the most intriguing teams to watch in the NBA.