Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has undergone a thorough medical overhaul this offseason, with arthroscopic surgeries performed on both ankles. Middleton, known for his pivotal role in the Bucks' 2021 NBA Championship run, had been plagued by persistent injuries, which made these procedures unavoidable.
Addressing Lingering Injuries
The first sign of trouble came on February 6, when Middleton landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. The resulting left ankle sprain lingered throughout the season, affecting his performance and the Bucks’ overall dynamic. Middleton later had an arthroscopic procedure to address the injury—one of two ankle surgeries he underwent this offseason.
Middleton's injury woes didn't end there. He also faced knee issues that limited him to just 33 games last season. This included a particularly challenging moment during the 2022 playoffs, where he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks, heavily reliant on Middleton’s contributions, were eventually eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a seven-game series in the second round.
Second Surgical Intervention
In mid-June, Middleton had minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up persistent issues from a sprain incurred during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. The cumulative impact of these injuries on the Bucks’ performances can't be overstated.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism surrounding Middleton’s recovery. He has already started light court work and aims to be fully prepared for opening night of the upcoming season. The Bucks will need him at his best, especially given the sweeping changes the team has undergone during the offseason.
Offseason Moves and New Challenges
The Bucks have been active in reshaping their roster. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, and executed a significant trade that sent Jrue Holiday to acquire Damian Lillard. This trade brings a new dimension to the Bucks but also comes with challenges.
“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,” notes The Athletic's Shams Charania. This points to a shift in strategy for the Bucks, emphasizing offensive prowess to compensate for any defensive shortcomings.
Integration of Damian Lillard
The introduction of Damian Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. The pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, an issue that will need addressing if the team is to maximize its offensive potential.
Additionally, age and durability remain significant concerns. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, and Lillard has just turned 34. These factors underscore the importance of Middleton's recovery and consistent performance, as well as the overall health of the team's veterans, throughout the season.
Outlook for the Season
The Bucks are in a pivotal moment, balancing the integration of new players with the health concerns of key veterans. Khris Middleton’s condition will be crucial to their success. His surgeries, while extensive, could mark the beginning of a more stable period that allows him to return to his All-Star form. The team’s ability to adapt to Lillard's style and the overall cohesion between new and existing players will also be critical.
The upcoming season is set to be a test of resilience and adaptation for the Bucks. As they navigate through these transitions, the performance and health of their core players, particularly Middleton, will be paramount in deciding whether they can reclaim the heights of their past successes.