Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has experienced a whirlwind offseason, marked by medical procedures aimed at revitalizing his health ahead of the upcoming NBA season. Middleton, a key piece of the Bucks’ championship aspirations, underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address injuries that hampered his performance last season.
Addressing Lingering Injuries
Middleton’s left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when he awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper, resulting in a sprain. This injury lingered throughout the season, necessitating an arthroscopic procedure to clean up the damage. In addition to this, Middleton underwent another minor arthroscopic surgery in mid-June to address lingering issues from a sprain sustained during the Bucks' first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These medical interventions were crucial for Middleton, who struggled with various injuries that significantly limited his on-court presence.
A Season Marred by Injuries
Last season, Middleton was constrained to just 33 games due to persistent knee issues, including an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs. The absence of a fully healthy Middleton was a significant factor in Milwaukee's elimination by the Boston Celtics in a tightly contested seven-game series in the second round of the playoffs. As Middleton embarks on his recovery process, he has started light court work with the goal of being fully prepared for the upcoming season's opening night.
Key Roster Changes
The Bucks have been active this offseason, making several key roster moves. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, bringing in fresh talent to support their core players. The most significant move, however, was the trade of Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This trade has introduced a new dynamic to the team, particularly in terms of their defensive and offensive strategies.
Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. The pick-and-roll between the two stars has yet to develop the seamless synergy hoped for. Additionally, the departure of Jrue Holiday has left a void in the Bucks’ perimeter defense, a concern highlighted by The Athletic's Shams Charania: “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
Amid these changes, age and durability remain ongoing concerns for the Bucks. Veteran center Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, while newly acquired Damian Lillard just turned 34. The physical toll on these key players will be a critical factor as the Bucks navigate the season, aiming to maintain competitiveness and resilience against younger opponents.
Looking Forward
As the Bucks gear up for the new season, the health of Khris Middleton and the successful integration of Damian Lillard into the team's system will be pivotal. Optimism surrounds Middleton's progress, with expectations that he will be ready for the season opener. The Bucks will need to rely on their depth, strategic adjustments, and veteran leadership if they are to overcome the challenges posed by injuries and roster changes in their quest for another championship.