More than ever, the Milwaukee Bucks need Khris Middleton to keep their championship window open, but the All-Star wing’s latest ankle surgery could be cause for concern that could impact the team’s chances of winning a ring.
Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgery on both ankles a few months ago, and his bullish recovery timeline suggests he’ll be ready for the NBA season opener. The surgeries were necessary because of injuries he suffered last season, most notably a sprained left ankle he suffered in February when he landed awkwardly on a jump shot.
The injury has plagued him all season, and he also underwent minor surgery on his right ankle in mid-June to address residual issues from a sprain he suffered in the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers.
Middleton’s injury history has been a concern for several years and has impacted his availability and performance. He only played in 33 games in 2022-23 due to knee complications and played in just 55 games last season. That lack of consistent play has raised questions about his durability, especially as the Bucks look to compete for another championship.
Why Khris Middleton’s Ankle Issues Should Be a Concern for the Milwaukee Bucks
As it stands, Middleton’s health is one of the main concerns Milwaukee should be preparing for heading into the 2024-25 season. This was explained in Grant Hughes’ NBA analysis for Bleacher Report.
“Many ankle surgery during this same offseason, it’s not an ideal situation for any player, but it’s especially concerning for one who has played just 88 games over the past two years.
Khris Middleton proved last season that he can still contribute excellent per-minute production, but lower-body health issues have diminished his impact from night to night. Hopefully, these recent surgeries will allow him to return to the court regularly and reclaim his former All-Star status.
“Practically speaking, it is hard to imagine that a 33-year-old can reverse such alarming downward trends on the health front,” Hughes wrote.
Despite significant offseason acquisitions including Gary Trent Jr. and Taurean Prince, the Bucks continue to rely heavily on their core group of Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez.
Middleton’s ability to return to form is key, as he provides much-needed secondary playmaking and scoring. As the team looks to bolster its offense while also making up for the loss of perimeter defense following the departure of Jrue Holiday, Middleton’s contributions will be key to maintaining their competitive edge.
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