Middleton Sidelined for Milwaukee Bucks Season Opener
As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to tip-off their season against the Philadelphia 76ers, they'll be doing so without one of their most critical assets: Khris Middleton. The three-time All-Star forward will be absent due to lingering ankle issues, a problem that has haunted his offseason and now follows him into the 2023-24 NBA campaign.
Persistent Ankle Issues
Middleton's ankle problems have been an ongoing narrative for the Bucks. The forward underwent surgeries on both ankles during the offseason, aiming to rectify problems that have been nagging him for some time. His tryst with injuries isn't limited to the ankles, however. February witnessed Middleton injuring his left ankle, an incident that caused him to miss over a month of action. Then, in a blow during the high-stakes environment of the playoffs, his right ankle suffered injury in Game 2 of Milwaukee's first-round series against the Indiana Pacers.
Rough Ride with Injuries
A part of Middleton's resilience has been his ability to persevere amidst a plethora of injuries. If his ankles weren't enough, the 2022-23 season said much about his battles, particularly when he was sidelined with a torn ligament in his wrist, necessitating surgical intervention during that offseason. Add to the list a knee surgery in 2023, and it becomes clear that Middleton has been combating adversity on multiple fronts.
Aiming for More Consistent Play
The star forward's plight with injuries has significantly impacted his playtime over the past seasons. Despite the challenges, Middleton managed to suit up for 55 games in the 2023-24 season, an improvement from the mere 33 games he played in the previous year. Reflecting on his performance and availability, Middleton expressed his aspirations for a healthier future, saying, "Having a successful season out there is playing damn near 82 games."
He elaborates on this criterion for success, indicating that the occasional game absence might be tolerable, "Understanding that there may be a couple games where you can't go because you got kneed to the thigh or something like a bad ankle sprain, those types of things, you miss one or two games." Nonetheless, Middleton makes it clear that he sets his threshold much higher, "But not playing only 60 games. Anything below 70, 75 games, no, I do not consider that a successful season for me."
Bucks Eye Conference Supremacy
The Bucks' ambition to reign supreme in the Eastern Conference is palpable. With Giannis Antetokounmpo anchoring the team alongside Middleton, Milwaukee's aspirations are sky-high. However, Middleton's effectiveness, and by extension, the team's capacity for success, hinges substantially on his health and ability to stay on the court.
As the season unfolds, the Bucks and Middleton hope these surgeries mark the beginning of an era where they can count on his skill and leadership, relatively unburdened by injuries. While tonight’s game against the 76ers will proceed without him, the Bucks and their fans eagerly anticipate his return, hoping it materializes into a durable and triumphant season for Middleton and his teammates.