Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has had an eventful offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address lingering issues that plagued him throughout the previous season. Despite these challenges, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season, providing much-needed hope for the Bucks as they aim for a strong campaign.
Injury Woes and Recovery
Middleton's left ankle problems can be traced back to a specific incident on February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after a jumper attempt. This incident caused a sprain that haunted him for the rest of the season. Durant was subsequently called for a flagrant foul for encroaching Middleton’s landing space.
In mid-June, Middleton underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure to clean up the nagging issues from a sprain he sustained during Game 2 of the Bucks' first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. The surgeries were deemed necessary to ensure he could perform at his highest level come the new season. Despite being limited to just 33 games last season due to knee issues, Middleton has started light court work with the aim of being fully prepared for opening night.
Roster Changes and Strategic Shifts
The Bucks have made significant moves this offseason, signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, and trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside star Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than initially anticipated. The pick-and-roll dynamics between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, raising concerns about the team's offensive cohesion.
While Draymond Green of the Celtics once noted that age is just a number, for the Bucks, age and durability remain concerns. Brook Lopez, a critical piece of their lineup, is now 36 years old, and Damian Lillard recently turned 34, adding to the team's existing challenges around maintaining peak physical condition throughout the season.
Balancing Offensive and Defensive Dynamics
The departure of Jrue Holiday has undoubtedly affected the Bucks' perimeter defense. Shams Charania from The Athletic succinctly stated, "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 in strategy places considerable pressure on Middleton, Lillard, and Antetokounmpo to deliver a high-powered offensive output to offset their defensive vulnerabilities.
The Bucks were eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the second round during the 2022 playoffs. Middleton's injuries played a significant role in that outcome, and the team hopes his full recovery will be a game-changer this season. With Middleton expected to be in peak form, the Bucks' offense could become one of the most formidable in the league, provided they harmonize their new lineup effectively.
The Bucks' management and coaching staff will have to be meticulous in strategizing how to leverage their new roster while navigating the complexities of age and injury recovery. The potential for a remarkable season exists, contingent on the successful integration of key players and a focus on maintaining physical health throughout the grueling NBA schedule.
As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Bucks to see if they can overcome the hurdles and reclaim their position as one of the league's elite teams. Much of that success will hinge on the health and performance of Khris Middleton, whose resilience and dedication this offseason showcase his commitment to leading the Bucks to new heights.