Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a particularly grueling offseason, marked by a series of medical procedures aimed at resolving persistent injuries. Middleton, who underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles, has faced a relentless battle with health issues that significantly impacted his performance last season.
The need for these surgeries became evident as multiple injuries recurring since the prior season plagued him anew. The left ankle, in particular, was a major concern, dating back to a significant incident on February 6, when Middleton landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. This mishap resulted in a lingering sprain, with Durant being called for a flagrant foul for intruding into Middleton’s landing space. This injury required an arthroscopic procedure to mitigate the enduring damage.
Consisting primarily of minor clean-ups, the surgeries seem poised to offer Middleton a fresh start. In mid-June, he underwent another minor arthroscopic surgery, this time to address issues stemming from a sprain he sustained during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. These setbacks have undeniably influenced the Bucks' performances, with Middleton limited to just 33 games last season due to knee problems. Adding to their historical burden, Milwaukee was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a taxing seven-game series during the second round of the 2022 playoffs, compounded by Middleton’s MCL sprain against the Chicago Bulls in the first round.
Despite these challenges, optimism surrounds Middleton’s recovery and readiness for the upcoming season. Reports indicate that the star forward has already begun light court work, with a target to be fully prepared for opening night. Such a return could be pivotal for the Bucks, particularly after an offseason of significant changes.
As part of their summer overhaul, the Bucks made several strategic moves. The team brought in Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright on minimum-salary contracts, aiming to enhance the squad’s depth. However, the most notable transaction was trading Jrue Holiday to acquire Damian Lillard. This bold move marks a decisive shift in the team’s strategy, looking to bolster their offensive firepower.
Age and durability remain persistent concerns for the Bucks. Brook Lopez, now 36, and Damian Lillard, who just turned 34, represent key veterans whose health will be closely monitored. Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has presented unexpected challenges. The hoped-for chemistry in the pick-and-roll between the perennially potent Lillard and the dominant Antetokounmpo has yet to fully materialize, leaving fans and analysts cautiously optimistic about seeing it flourish under game conditions.
Another aspect to consider is the defensive void left by Holiday’s departure. As The Athletic's Shams Charania aptly 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 substantial adjustment underscores the stakes and pressures mounting on Milwaukee’s coaching staff and player roster to adapt successfully.
The Bucks’ upcoming season is fraught with both challenges and opportunities. While Middleton works to reclaim his form and health, the integration of Lillard and the adjustment to life without Holiday could either cement Milwaukee’s standing as a formidable contender or expose them to vulnerabilities opponents will look to exploit. As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on the Bucks, waiting to see whether their offseason gambles and the promised resurgence of Middleton can coalesce into a championship-worthy campaign.