Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has had a challenging offseason recovering from injuries that severely hindered his performance last season. The key player for the Bucks underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address multiple lingering issues. Despite these setbacks, Middleton is gearing up for the start of the upcoming season, bringing hope to a Milwaukee team that has recently undergone significant changes.
Injury Woes and Recovery
Middleton's troubles began on February 6, when he awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after a jumper. This resulted in a sprained left ankle that haunted him for the rest of the season. The incident led to Durant receiving a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space. Middleton’s left ankle required an arthroscopic procedure to clean up the damage.
In mid-June, Middleton underwent another minor arthroscopic surgery, addressing issues from an ankle sprain sustained during Game 2 of the first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These procedures aimed to prepare him to return to full strength for the start of the new season.
The Bucks sorely missed Middleton's presence last season. Already hobbled by knee issues, he was limited to just 33 games. The most impactful setback was during the 2022 playoffs, where he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. The Bucks eventually bowed out to the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Looking Towards the Future
Despite the tough recovery process, Middleton has already initiated light court work and is eyeing full readiness for opening night. His return could not come at a better time, as significant roster shifts have unfolded during the offseason. The Bucks made headlines by signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, aiming to bolster their depth chart.
Arguably the most significant move was trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard. While adding Lillard has injected new excitement, integrating him into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated. The much-anticipated pick-and-roll duo between Lillard and Antetokounmpo didn't develop as seamlessly as hoped last season.
Season Outlook
The Bucks face the impending season with both promise and caution. Brook Lopez, now 36, and Lillard, who just turned 34, bring experience but also concerns about age and durability. Head coach Adrian Griffin will need to expertly manage these veterans' minutes to maximize their effectiveness while preserving their health.
Moving forward, the Bucks will need to rely on explosive offensive performances, as pointed out 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.” The loss of Holiday's defense will test the Bucks' resilience, but an offensive juggernaut led by Lillard and Antetokounmpo can present unbeatable challenges for any opponent.
The team's success this season hinges on Middleton’s full return to form and how quickly Lillard acclimates to his new surroundings. As the Bucks prepare for training camp, fans in Milwaukee and beyond will be eager to see if their upgraded roster can translate into championship contention.