Milwaukee Bucks forward Khris Middleton's offseason was unexpectedly rigorous, marked by a series of arthroscopic surgeries aimed at resolving persistent ankle issues. These procedures, vital for Middleton's health and essential for the Bucks' aspirations, addressed injuries that troubled the veteran throughout the past season.
Middleton's left ankle injury can be traced back to a February 6 incident when he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot after attempting a jumper. The awkward landing resulted in a lingering sprain, significantly affecting his performance across the season. Kevin Durant received a flagrant foul for occupying Middleton’s landing space, a move that underscored the incident's severity. Subsequently, Middleton underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left ankle to alleviate this issue.
In mid-June, Middleton faced another minor surgery to clean up residual problems stemming from a sprain acquired during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. The accumulation of these injuries undeniably impacted the Bucks' performance last season, with Middleton limited to just 33 games due to persistent knee issues.
Bucks’ Playoff Struggles
The Bucks' playoff journey was notably hampered by Middleton's health concerns. Last season's playoffs saw Middleton suffering an MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls. This setback was crucial as Milwaukee was eliminated in a grueling seven-game series by the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Despite these challenges, optimism surrounds Middleton's recovery process. He has already embarked on light court work with a clear aim to be fully prepared for the season opener. This development brings a much-needed boost to the Bucks, who are dealing with several other dynamics within the team.
Roster Moves and Adjustments
The offseason saw the Bucks making significant roster changes. They signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. However, the most notable change was trading Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. This move has brought a mixed bag of challenges and opportunities. Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has proven more complex than anticipated. The anticipated synergy, especially the pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo, did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season.
With Brook Lopez now at 36 years old and Damian Lillard turning 34, age and durability remain prominent concerns for the Bucks this season. Navigating these challenges will be crucial for Milwaukee's hopes of maintaining an elite competitive edge.
“The perimeter defense the Bucks lost by sending out Jrue Holiday in the Lillard trade means they are going to have to win with an elite offense moving forward,” observed The Athletic's Shams Charania. This significant shift in team dynamics places additional pressure on developing a formidable offensive strategy to compensate for defensive vulnerabilities.
Looking Ahead
Milwaukee's upcoming season rests heavily on the health and performance of its key players. Middleton's recovery and readiness for the season start, coupled with integrating new team members and addressing age-related durability issues, form the core of their immediate challenges. The team’s ability to adapt and thrive amidst these changes will likely define their trajectory in the fiercely competitive landscape of professional basketball.