Milwaukee Bucks Forward Khris Middleton Undergoes Offseason Surgeries
The Milwaukee Bucks have faced a challenging offseason as their star forward, Khris Middleton, has undergone arthroscopic surgeries on both of his ankles. These procedures were essential to address a series of injuries that plagued Middleton throughout the previous season, impacting the Bucks' overall performance.
Despite the setbacks, Middleton is expected to be ready for the start of the upcoming season. His left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when he awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. This incident resulted in a sprain that lingered for the remainder of the season. The NBA officials deemed this a flagrant foul on Durant for being in Middleton’s landing space.
To address this, Middleton had an arthroscopic procedure in mid-June to clean up the remaining issues from the sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. Middleton’s injury woes have notably affected the Bucks over the past seasons. Last season, he was limited to just 33 games due to knee issues, and his absence was felt heavily by the team.
The Bucks' struggles continued into the 2022 playoffs, where Middleton suffered an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. This injury contributed to Milwaukee's elimination by the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought seven-game series in the second round. With Middleton now starting light court work, there is hope that he will be fully prepared for opening night.
Roster Moves and New Acquisitions
This offseason, the Bucks have seen significant changes in their roster. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, looking to add depth to their lineup. However, the most impactful move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This trade marks a significant shift for the team, especially on the defensive end.
The integration of Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has presented more challenges than anticipated. The pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, raising concerns about the team’s chemistry and overall effectiveness on the court. With Brook Lopez now 36 years old and Lillard just turning 34, age and durability remain critical factors for Milwaukee’s success this season.
The departure of Jrue Holiday means the Bucks have lost a key aspect of their perimeter defense. As The Athletic's Shams Charania puts it, “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.”
Looking Forward
For the Bucks, maintaining an elite offense will be pivotal as they navigate the upcoming season with the revamped roster. Ensuring that Middleton is healthy and back to his best will be crucial. His injury history highlights how vital his presence is to the team’s performance on both ends of the court. The organization, along with fans, will be keenly watching his recovery process, hoping that the ligament clean-up surgeries will restore his ability to consistently contribute.
As the new season approaches, Milwaukee’s strategy must adapt to address both their defensive gaps and the need for better synergy between their key players. Successful integration of Damian Lillard into the squad could be the catalyst for a triumphant season, but it hinges on resolving the complications that prevented a seamless transition last season.
With the upcoming season promising to be a pivotal one for the Bucks, the stakes are high. Every decision, from player health management to strategic gameplay adjustments, will play a critical role in determining the team's success in a highly competitive league.