Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a demanding offseason, navigating a series of medical procedures aimed at addressing his persistent injury issues. Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles, a decisive step taken to confront multiple injuries that hampered his play throughout the last season.
One significant incident contributing to Middleton's woes unfolded on February 6, when an awkward landing on Kevin Durant's foot resulted in a left ankle sprain. The injury, which occurred after Middleton attempted a jumper, lingered and significantly impacted his performance for the remainder of the season. Kevin Durant received a flagrant foul for infringing on Middleton’s landing space, highlighting the severity of the incident.
In mid-June, Middleton had minor arthroscopic surgery to resolve issues stemming from the sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. This procedure was pivotal in his recovery, aiding in his preparation for the upcoming season. Despite these setbacks, Middleton has commenced light court work and is determined to be fully prepared for opening night.
Middleton’s injury struggles have undeniably affected the Bucks' performance. Last season, he was restricted to just 33 games due to knee problems. His absence was deeply felt during the 2022 playoffs, where a first-round MCL sprain against the Chicago Bulls hindered his ability to contribute significantly. Milwaukee's subsequent elimination by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series underscored the impact of Middleton's unavailability.
Amidst Middleton’s recovery efforts, the Bucks have undergone significant changes to their roster in the offseason. Notably, the team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. However, the most transformative move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This trade aims to bolster Milwaukee's offense, but as The Athletic's Shams Charania notes, “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.”
Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has presented more challenges than anticipated. The much-anticipated pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, raising concerns about the duo's on-court synergy. The Bucks are also mindful of age and durability issues, with Brook Lopez now 36 years old and Lillard recently turning 34. These factors could influence the team’s performance over the long haul of the season.
As the Bucks brace for the forthcoming season, the focus remains on getting Middleton back to peak condition. His presence is pivotal for the Bucks if they are to navigate the competitive landscape of the NBA successfully. The blend of new and veteran talents, the evolving team dynamics, and the efforts to surmount past injuries set the stage for a season brimming with potential and unpredictability for Milwaukee.