Khris Middleton's Road to Recovery: The Bucks' Ace Forward Undergoes Double Ankle Surgery
Milwaukee Bucks star forward Khris Middleton finds himself at a critical juncture this offseason, with a promised return to form after undergoing arthroscopic surgeries on both ankles. These procedures were essential to address the injuries that haunted him throughout the last season, substantially impacting the Bucks' performance and ultimately their playoff dreams.
The origin of Middleton's ankle troubles can be traced back to a fateful incident on February 6. While attempting a jumper, he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot, resulting in a left ankle sprain. Durant was tagged with a flagrant foul for encroaching on Middleton’s landing space, and that sprain lingered persistently, impairing his on-court prowess for the rest of the season. The cautionary tale of that unfortunate landing didn't end there; it necessitated an arthroscopic procedure to alleviate the persistent pain and instability.
In mid-June, Middleton went under the knife once again, this time for a minor arthroscopic surgery on his right ankle. This operation aimed to clean up residual issues from a sprain sustained during Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. With his mobility compromised by these recurring injuries, the Bucks' fortunes took a hit, evidenced by Middleton being limited to just 33 games last season due to knee issues and other complications.
The saga of Middleton's injuries also stretches back to the 2022 playoffs. A sprained MCL in the first round against the Chicago Bulls sidelined him, contributing to Milwaukee's second-round exit in a grueling seven-game series against the Boston Celtics. The absence of Middleton’s on-court excellence was palpable, underscoring his indispensable role in the squad.
However, the offseason surgeries offer a glimmer of optimism. Middleton has already dipped his toes back into light court work, setting his sights on being fully prepared for opening night. His recovery and return to peak form could be pivotal for the Bucks as they navigate a season fraught with uncertainties.
The Bucks did not stand idle during the offseason. Marking a significant change, they traded Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard, potentially redefining their approach on the court. Additionally, Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright have been signed to minimum-salary deals, further bolstering the squad’s depth.
Integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo appears more complex than initially envisioned. The synergy between Lillard and Antetokounmpo, particularly in running the pick-and-roll, hasn't been as seamless as the Bucks had hoped. "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," contends The Athletic's Shams Charania. The pressure is on Lillard not just to fill the shoes of Holiday but also to drive the offensive engine that could compensate for any defensive lapses.
Age and durability are additional concerns hovering over Milwaukee's ambitions. Brook Lopez now stands at 36 years old, and Lillard just turned 34. The wear and tear that invariably comes with such experience could become a stress point over the trajectory of the long season.
As the Bucks turn a fresh page with hopes for a healthier Middleton and a reinvigorated lineup, the path ahead is paved with challenges. However, with strategic reinforcements and the potential renaissance of their star forward, the Bucks aim to reclaim their status as formidable contenders in the league.