Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a challenging offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address persistent injuries that hampered his performance throughout last season. These medical procedures were critical for Middleton, who has been dealing with multiple injuries, including a left ankle sprain sustained on February 6 when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot during a jump shot. This incident led to a sprain that lingered and impacted his ability to fully contribute to his team.
Last season, Middleton was limited to just 33 games due to knee issues, making his situation a significant concern for the Bucks. His left ankle required an arthroscopic procedure to resolve the issues, and in mid-June, he also underwent another minor surgery to address lingering problems from a sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. The cumulative effect of these injuries has undeniably affected the Bucks' overall performance, notably impacting their playoff runs.
Playoff Setbacks and Future Prospects
Middleton's health woes have had tangible repercussions in the postseason. During the 2022 playoffs, he suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls, which proved to be a significant blow for the Bucks. Milwaukee managed to advance but was ultimately eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Despite these challenges, there is optimism surrounding Middleton's recovery. Reports suggest he has already begun light court work, with a focus on being fully prepared for the start of the upcoming season. This readiness is crucial for a Bucks team that will be relying heavily on their star forward to navigate another competitive season in the Eastern Conference.
Offseason Moves and Roster Changes
The Bucks' offseason activities have been eventful as well. Milwaukee signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, aiming to bolster their roster depth. However, the most significant move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. The acquisition of Lillard is a high-stakes gamble that has the potential to redefine the team's offensive strategy.
Integrating Damian Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. The much-anticipated pick-and-roll dynamic between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as the Bucks had hoped last season, presenting a significant area for improvement this time around.
Concerns and Expectations
Age and durability remain pressing concerns for the Bucks. Veteran center Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, while newly acquired Damian Lillard just turned 34. These factors contribute to the uncertainty surrounding the team's ability to maintain a consistent and high-level performance throughout the grueling NBA season.
With Jrue Holiday gone, the Bucks have lost a key component of their perimeter defense. As The Athletic’s Shams Charania noted, “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.” This shift will place additional pressure on the Bucks to leverage their offensive capabilities, especially with the dynamic duo of Lillard and Antetokounmpo.
As the new season approaches, the Bucks will need to overcome these challenges and focus on integrating their new pieces while ensuring key players like Middleton stay healthy and productive. All eyes will be on Milwaukee to see if they can reclaim their status as championship contenders.