The Milwaukee Bucks are in a weird position as the year begins. After their 2021 NBA championship run, the team has been stagnant. Multiple playoff exits without a Conference Finals appearance have people raising eyebrows. However, injuries have been a big part of their lack of success.
Since then, either Khris Middleton or Giannis Antetokounmpo has been out of the lineup for each playoff game. As a result, there has been optimism each season about their potential ceiling. But with the latest Middleton update, that optimism might pause the Bucks.
In the immediate aftermath of their Title, Khris was out for the playoffs as Milwaukee went to war against the Boston Celtics. Losing in seven games most quickly pointed to the injury as a one-off and the reason for their loss. But, since then, the team has yet to make it out of the first round.
Both those years, it has been the Greek Freak battling injuries. However, Kash Money isn’t worse for wear. Last season, Middleton went down with two injuries. Firstly, a regular season game just before the All-Star Break saw him injure his left ankle after landing on Kevin Durant. As a result, he had to miss 16 games in the “worst ankle sprain of his career.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
While he took some time to recuperate, he was back in the thick of things when the playoffs came around. Unfortunately, in Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers, he injured his right ankle again, hobbling by April. Even though he was battling through the pain for the rest of the playoffs, some treatment was inevitable.
As soon as the season came to a close, the 3-time All-Star had procedures done on both ankles, including surgery on the left one. In the latest update, Khris has once again had ankle surgeries. Described as a cleanup procedure, the recovery time puts him back into action by the time play resumes. But, the concern for Milwaukee is far larger than his return timeframe.
After a relatively quiet offseason, the Bucks immediately improved at shooting guard. Essentially replacing Malik Beasley for Gary Trent Jr, the team gets the same caliber of a shooter with better game awareness and higher defensive potential. Similarly, the addition of Taurean Prince was a subtle move along the edges, giving them a strong 3-and-D guy. However, the biggest piece of the pie for Milwaukee is the Big 3.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Khris Middleton, Milwaukee Bucks Updates
As Damian Lillard returns to working out in the offseason and Antetokounmpo dominates in the Olympics, one piece remains a question. At 33, Middleton isn’t getting any younger. Combined with an injury-riddled history over the last few years, the trouble for Milwaukee begins. However, given his scoring prowess and connection to Giannis, he remains invaluable to the team. Additionally, for his value, his contract remains a bargain if healthy.
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