The Milwaukee Bucks are navigating a pivotal offseason that has been anything but uneventful. Central to their concerns is the health and readiness of star forward Khris Middleton, who has undergone arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles to address lingering injuries from the previous season.
A Summer of Surgeries
For Middleton, these surgical procedures were unavoidable. The 6-foot-7 forward had been hampered by multiple injuries, the most significant of which traces back to a game on February 6 against the Brooklyn Nets. During that game, Middleton awkwardly landed on Kevin Durant's foot after an attempted jumper, resulting in a sprain that plagued him for the rest of the season. The incident not only warranted a flagrant foul on Durant but also sidelined Middleton at crucial moments.
In mid-June, Middleton had a minor arthroscopic surgery to clean up lingering issues from the sprain he suffered during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. The series of surgeries has left the Bucks' faithful anxious but hopeful that Middleton will regain full health in time for the upcoming season. Encouragingly, he has already begun light court work with opening night as his target for a full return.
Impact on the Bucks
The ramifications of Middleton's injuries were felt throughout the Bucks' last season, where he was limited to just 33 games primarily due to knee issues. His absence was notably impactful during the 2022 playoffs when he suffered an MCL sprain against the Chicago Bulls in the first round. Without their reliable forward, the Bucks were unable to advance past a grueling seven-game series against the Boston Celtics in the second round.
Roster Changes and Challenges
Offseason adjustments have been a significant part of Milwaukee's strategy to remain title contenders. The team signed Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals, focusing on adding depth to the roster. However, the most headline-grabbing move was the trade of Jrue Holiday in exchange for Damian Lillard. While the addition of Lillard brings a potent offensive threat, it also raises questions regarding the team's perimeter defense.
The departure of Holiday, known for his defensive prowess, leaves a void that Milwaukee must address. As The Athletic's Shams Charania pointed out, "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.”
Age and Cohesion Concerns
Age is another concern for the Bucks, with veterans Brook Lopez now 36 and Lillard having just turned 34. Integrating these seasoned players alongside the unstoppable force that is Giannis Antetokounmpo presents its own set of challenges. The anticipated pick-and-roll between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as smoothly as hoped last season, which could be attributed to various factors including team chemistry and Lillard’s adjustment to a new system.
The continued health and durability of the roster will be scrutinized intensely as the Bucks aim to mount another championship run. The team's performance will likely hinge on Middleton’s recovery and the ability of their newly formed lineup to gel quickly.
As the countdown to the season opener ticks away, Milwaukee fans will be keeping a close watch on Middleton's progress. His readiness could very well dictate the Bucks' fortunes in what promises to be a fiercely competitive season. With strategic offseason moves and a focus on integrating their new roster, the Bucks are poised to pursue another deep playoff run, contingent on the health and cohesion of their key players.