Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has had a notably eventful offseason, marked by a series of arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These interventions were necessary to address the multiple injuries that troubled him throughout the previous season. Despite the intense focus on his rehabilitation, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming NBA season, bringing a much-needed boost to a team with its own set of challenges and transitions.
Injuries and Recovery
The root of Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to February 6. During a game, he attempted a jumper and awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot, resulting in a lingering sprain. Durant was subsequently called for a flagrant foul for being in Middleton's landing space. This sprain hampered Middleton for the remainder of the season, culminating in an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle to resolve the persistent issues.
In mid-June, Middleton also underwent a minor arthroscopic surgery to address lingering problems from a sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These injuries have undoubtedly impacted the Bucks' performances, limiting Middleton to just 33 games last season due to knee issues. In the 2022 playoffs, he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls, complicating Milwaukee's journey to a seven-game series loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Despite these setbacks, there is optimism surrounding Middleton’s recovery. He has already started light court work and aims to be fully prepared for opening night, providing a glimmer of hope for Bucks fans who understand his critical role in the team's ambitions.
Offseason Changes and New Additions
The Bucks' offseason was not solely focused on Middleton's recovery. The team made significant moves by signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. However, the blockbuster move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. Lillard’s integration into Milwaukee's lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has been more challenging than anticipated. While the dynamic pick-and-roll combination between Lillard and Antetokounmpo was highly anticipated, it didn't develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
Adding to the complexities are the age and durability concerns within the team. Brook Lopez, a crucial part of the Bucks' defense, is now 36 years old, and Lillard just turned 34. These factors underscore the team's need to navigate through the season with an eye on maintaining player health and optimizing performance.
Defensive Trade-offs
The departure of Jrue Holiday has particularly left a void on the perimeter defense, raising questions about how the Bucks will manage this season. 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.” This aspect signals a strategic shift for the Bucks, who are now likely to rely heavily on their offensive capabilities to secure victories.
Milwaukee's hope lies in balancing their experienced, if slightly aging, roster with the fresh talent they've acquired. Middleton’s return to form could be the linchpin that holds their season together. If he can overcome his injury woes and regain his previous performances, the Bucks might find the synergy they need to contend with the top teams in the league.
As the new season approaches, Middleton and the Bucks face both challenges and opportunities. With careful management of his rehabilitation and strategic utilization of their roster's strengths, Milwaukee aims to make a significant impact, driven by a blend of seasoned players and new talent.