Khris Middleton's Offseason Recovery
Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has been through an eventful offseason, marked by surgeries on both of his ankles. After an injury-riddled season, these procedures were deemed necessary to address persistent issues that affected his performance. Despite these setbacks, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season, a crucial development for the Bucks' hopes.
Middleton's troubles began on February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot following a jumper, resulting in a sprain that lingered throughout the season. Durant was assessed a flagrant foul for encroaching on Middleton’s landing space. To rectify the persistent pain, Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left ankle. This wasn't his only surgical encounter; in mid-June, he had a minor arthroscopic procedure to clear up residual issues from a sprain sustained during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
These injuries have visibly impacted the Bucks' performance over recent seasons. Last year, Middleton was limited to just 33 games due to persistent knee issues. His absence was felt deeply during the 2022 playoffs when he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. This injury contributed to Milwaukee's second-round elimination by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series.
The Road to Recovery
Despite the surgeries, there's a sense of optimism surrounding Middleton's recovery. He has already commenced light court work, indicating a focused intent on being fully prepared for opening night. His return to full health is critical as the Bucks look to regain their championship form.
The Bucks' front office has been active this offseason, making several moves to bolster the roster. The team acquired Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright on minimum-salary deals. In a blockbuster trade, Milwaukee sent out Jrue Holiday and brought in Damian Lillard. However, integrating Lillard alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than initially anticipated. Last season, their pick-and-roll game didn't develop as smoothly as hoped, leading to adjustments being needed heading into the new campaign.
Concerns of Age and Durability
Age and durability remain significant concerns for the Bucks this season. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, while Damian Lillard celebrated his 34th birthday recently. These factors contribute to questions about the team's sustained performance over the grueling NBA season.
On the defensive end, the departure of Jrue Holiday has significantly impacted the team's perimeter defense. As The Athletic's Shams Charania mentioned, “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.” Middleton and his fellow teammates will need to elevate their offensive execution to compensate for the defensive gaps left by Holiday's departure.
The Bucks' strategy will rely heavily on Middleton's return to form and the successful integration of Lillard with Antetokounmpo. As the fresh season approaches, all eyes are on the hardwood to see how these pieces will mesh. The Bucks are betting big on their enhanced offensive firepower being sufficient to navigate the rigors of an NBA season and thrive under playoff pressure.
With the season poised to begin, Middleton's health and readiness will be under the microscope. His journey back from multiple injuries not only highlights his resilience but also underscores his importance to the Milwaukee Bucks' championship aspirations.