Milwaukee Bucks Adjust Starting Lineup Amid Khris Middleton's Recovery
Middleton's Journey from Injury to Recovery
Khris Middleton's journey back to full health has been anything but straightforward. The Milwaukee Bucks' decision to move him to the bench doesn't come as a surprise, considering the 32-year-old is recovering from ankle tendinitis and has undergone surgeries on both ankles in the off-season. To say Middleton has weathered a storm of injuries might be an understatement. Apart from his recent ankle surgeries, he's also had operations on his left wrist and right knee. Since enduring an MCL sprain in his left knee during the 2022 playoffs, Middleton has managed to play in only 100 regular-season games.
An Eye on the Future
While Middleton was missing in action against the Toronto Raptors due to his ongoing tendinitis issues, expectations are set for him to make a return against the San Antonio Spurs. His debut this season came earlier in December during a clash with the Boston Celtics, marking a hopeful sign of his recovery process. Despite starting off from the bench and transitioning to a starter after five games, his resilience on the court resulted in averages of 15.7 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists, shooting a commendable 51.2% from the field. However, even with these stats, the Bucks struggled with a 3-4 record with Middleton in the starting lineup.
Strategic Adjustments and Future Plans
In light of these challenges, Bucks' coach Doc Rivers and the management decided to make a strategic adjustment. After meeting with Middleton on a Sunday, Rivers communicated the plan to move him to the bench. Taurean Prince stepped up to fill Middleton's spot in the starting lineup against the Raptors. This move could potentially reinvigorate the chemistry on the court. Interestingly, the primary lineup featuring Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard recorded a troubling minus-5.6 net rating over 96 minutes, suggesting potential areas for improvement in their tactical approach.
As the Bucks navigate these changes, Middleton remains hopeful for a successful season, echoing his sentiments, "Having a successful season out there is playing damn near 82 games. Anything below 70, 75 games, no, I do not consider that a successful season for me." The journey continues, with the Bucks and Middleton aiming for a harmonious blend of health and performance in the quests ahead.