The Offseason Rebuild: Khris Middleton's Road to Recovery and Bucks' Strategic Moves
Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton has not taken any time off this offseason, using the break to address several injuries that hampered his performance last season. Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgeries on both of his ankles to rectify lingering issues, a decision that could prove vital for the Bucks as they head into the new season.
Middleton's left ankle injury dates back to February 6, when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. The incident left Middleton with a nagging sprain that affected his performance for the rest of the season. Durant was subsequently called for a flagrant foul for encroaching on Middleton’s landing space, highlighting the severity of the incident.
To address the lingering issues from this sprain, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle. Additionally, in mid-June, he had a minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up residual problems from another sprain suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These proactive steps are aimed at ensuring he is fully fit and ready for the start of the upcoming season. Reports indicate that Middleton has already resumed light court work, brushing off the cobwebs to ensure full preparedness come opening night.
However, the road to recovery for Middleton isn’t the only challenge the Bucks face. The franchise has made multiple strategic moves in the offseason to strengthen its roster. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, indicating a focus on bolstering depth and skill versatility.
In a significant trade, the Bucks shipped Jrue Holiday to acquire Damian Lillard. While Lillard's talent is irrefutable, integrating him into the lineup alongside the dynamic Giannis Antetokounmpo has been more demanding than anticipated. The highly touted pick-and-roll combination between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not gel smoothly last season, leaving questions about how this duo will operate in the high-stakes environment of the NBA. Shams Charania of The Athletic aptly remarked, “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.”
Another concern looming over the Bucks is the age and durability of key players. Brook Lopez, a defensive anchor for the team, is now 36 years old, and Lillard has just turned 34. Maintaining health and peak performance will be critical for Milwaukee as they aim to reclaim their position at the top of the Eastern Conference.
During the 2022 playoffs, the absence of Middleton made a pronounced impact. Middleton was limited to just 33 games last season due to knee issues, including an MCL sprain suffered in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. Without his steady hand and scoring ability, the Bucks were eventually ousted by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Middleton’s recovery and the team’s new additions will be under the microscope as the Bucks navigate the upcoming season. The expectation is high, particularly with the new firepower in their arsenal. The Bucks’ management and coaching staff are betting that a healthy Middleton, combined with the infusion of Lillard’s scoring prowess, can bring Milwaukee back to championship contention.
As the Bucks gear up for what promises to be a season full of exhilaration and challenges, the integration of new talent and the health of their veterans will be essential. The offseason surgeries for Middleton and the tactical acquisitions suggest that Milwaukee is leaving no stone unturned in their quest for supremacy. Only time will tell how all these elements coalesce as they strive to etch their names once again in the annals of NBA history.