Middleton Undergoes Double Ankle Surgery
Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton has had a rigorous offseason, undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address persistent injuries that hampered his performance last season. These procedures were crucial for Middleton, who has been plagued by injuries that have impacted both his performance and the Bucks' success.
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when an awkward landing on Kevin Durant's foot resulted in a sprain. This injury continuously nagged him, influencing his play throughout the season. The incident also drew a flagrant foul call against Durant for occupying Middleton's landing space. To rectify this, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle, followed by another minor surgery in mid-June to clean up lingering issues from a sprain sustained during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
The injuries have significantly limited Middleton's availability, with last season seeing him play only 33 games due to knee issues. His absence was felt in the playoffs too, where Milwaukee was eliminated in a hard-fought seven-game series against the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2022 playoffs. Middleton's MCL sprain, suffered during the first round against the Chicago Bulls, was a critical blow for the Bucks.
Despite these setbacks, there is optimism regarding Middleton's recovery. He has already started light court work with the aim of being fully prepared for opening night. His return to full health could be a game-changer for the Bucks, who have made significant roster moves in the offseason to strengthen their lineup.
Offseason Moves and Team Chemistry
The Bucks signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, adding depth to their roster. However, the most noteworthy move was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This trade has brought about a significant shift in the team's dynamics, particularly in terms of perimeter defense.
Shams Charania of The Athletic 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.” Integrating Lillard alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven to be more challenging than anticipated. The pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
Furthermore, age and durability remain concerns for Milwaukee. Brook Lopez is now 36 years old, and Lillard just turned 34. These factors add another layer of complexity to the Bucks' title aspirations. The team must carefully manage their veterans' playing time to ensure they remain competitive throughout the grueling season.
Looking Ahead
As the upcoming season approaches, all eyes will be on how the Bucks navigate these challenges. The return of a healthy Khris Middleton could be pivotal in addressing some of their offensive woes. His ability to contribute consistently will be crucial in easing the offensive burden on Antetokounmpo and Lillard.
The addition of Trent Jr., Prince, and Wright also brings hope for improved bench performance. While they may not fill the defensive void left by Holiday's departure, their contributions in scoring and versatility could prove valuable as the season progresses.
Milwaukee faces a pivotal season, balancing the need for an elite offense with the necessity of maintaining player health. The journey back to the top of the Eastern Conference will be demanding, but with Middleton's anticipated return, enhanced roster depth, and strategic use of their veteran players, the Bucks have the blueprint to navigate these challenges.