Middleton's Offseason: Overcoming Injuries and Preparing for a New Season
Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton has had a busy offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These procedures were necessary to address multiple injuries that plagued Middleton throughout the last season, but he is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season.
Middleton's left ankle injury can be traced back to February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. This incident resulted in a sprain that lingered for the remainder of the season. Durant was called for a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space, a call that underscored the severity of the situation.
In addition to his left ankle, Middleton underwent a minor arthroscopic surgery in mid-June to clean up lingering issues from a sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. This preventative measure aimed to clear up any remnants of the injury that could impact his performance.
Last season, Middleton was limited to just 33 games due to knee issues, a period marred by an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls during the 2022 playoffs. These persistent injuries not only affected Middleton but also had a significant impact on the Bucks' performance. Milwaukee was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the second round of the 2022 playoffs.
Despite these setbacks, Middleton has already started light court work with an eye on being fully prepared for opening night. His recovery and readiness will be crucial for the Bucks as they look to regain their competitive edge.
New Additions and Changes
The Bucks have been active in the offseason, revamping their roster to bolster their title hopes. They signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, adding depth and versatility to the squad. However, the most significant move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This trade has the potential to reshape the Bucks' dynamics, but integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more challenging than anticipated.
The pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, a relationship that will be under the microscope as the new season unfolds. Another concern for Milwaukee is the age and durability of key players. Brook Lopez, a cornerstone of the Bucks' defense, is now 36 years old, while Damian Lillard just turned 34. Age could play a critical role in how the season progresses for the Bucks, with durability remaining a persistent concern.
A New Offensive Approach
As noted 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.” With Holiday's departure, the Bucks will need Lillard and Antetokounmpo to gel quickly and effectively to lead an offense capable of compensating for their defensive deficiencies.
The loss of Holiday, an elite perimeter defender, means that Milwaukee will rely heavily on its offensive prowess to outscore opponents. This shift in strategy will demand not only individual brilliance from its stars but also seamless team coherence.
The road ahead for the Milwaukee Bucks is fraught with challenges, but if Middleton can stay healthy and the new additions integrate successfully, they have the potential to be a formidable force in the upcoming season. The upcoming months will be a critical period for the franchise as they strive to solidify their standing and make a deep playoff run.