The Milwaukee Bucks face both optimism and uncertainty as they prepare for the upcoming season. Their star forward, Khris Middleton, has been working diligently to recover from a challenging offseason marked by surgeries on both ankles.
Middleton's Road to Recovery
Middleton's offseason has been anything but restful, thanks to necessary arthroscopic surgeries that addressed injuries plaguing him throughout the previous season. His left ankle, in particular, has been a source of trouble, the injury tracing back to February 6. On that day, he landed awkwardly on Kevin Durant's foot following a jumper attempt, leading to a lingering sprain. Durant was flagged for a foul due to the dangerous play that compromised Middleton's landing space.
Alongside the left ankle surgery, Middleton also underwent a minor arthroscopic procedure in mid-June to deal with issues from another sprain, this time suffered during Game 2 of the Bucks' first-round series against the Indiana Pacers. These ongoing injuries have significantly impacted the Bucks’ performance, limiting Middleton to just 33 games last season due to additional knee issues.
Milwaukee's 2022 playoff run suffered as well, with Middleton's MCL sprain in the first round against the Chicago Bulls hampering their efforts. The Bucks were eventually eliminated by the Boston Celtics in a grueling seven-game series in the second round.
Despite the difficulties, there is light at the end of the tunnel. Middleton has already begun light court work, showing promising signs of being fully ready for the season's opening night.
Building Around New Faces
The Bucks have not stood idle during this period. They made significant roster changes in the offseason, signing Gary Trent Jr., Taurean Prince, and Delon Wright to minimum-salary deals. The most notable change was trading Jrue Holiday for Damian Lillard, a move that promises to reshape the team’s dynamics profoundly.
However, integrating Lillard into the lineup alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has been a more complex task than initially anticipated. The pick-and-roll tactics between Lillard and Antetokounmpo did not develop as fluently as expected last season, raising questions about their on-court chemistry.
The Bucks' perimeter defense has also taken a hit with Holiday's departure. "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," remarked The Athletic's Shams Charania, shedding light on the critical adjustment the team needs to make.
Age and Durability Concerns
Milwaukee's new season ambitions are also tempered by the specter of age and durability. Brook Lopez, a veteran cornerstone at 36 years old, and Damian Lillard, who just turned 34, add experienced but aging components to the roster. The team must navigate the challenges these factors present to maintain a competitive edge throughout the rigorous NBA season.
With Middleton on the mend and new talent being integrated, the Milwaukee Bucks stand at a crossroads. The blend of their experienced players and fresh faces, underlined by the physical readiness of key players like Middleton, will determine their trajectory in a highly competitive league landscape. The task ahead is fraught with challenges, yet filled with potential, as Milwaukee aims to secure a strong start in the upcoming season.