Devastating! Double Ankle Surgery: Can Middleton Return? Are the Bucks Headed for Collapse?

As the 2023-2024 NBA season draws near, there are growing concerns surrounding the Milwaukee Bucks—specifically, their star forward Khris Middleton. According to recent reports from insider Chris Haynes, Middleton has not yet been cleared for full 5-on-5 participation at the Bucks' training camp, leaving questions about his health and availability for the upcoming season. While this news isn't entirely shocking, it does cast a shadow over the Bucks' title aspirations and their future.

Middleton's Injury Struggles Continue

Khris Middleton’s injury woes have been a recurring theme over the past couple of seasons. It all started in the 2021-2022 campaign when the Bucks faced off against the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the playoffs. In Game 2 of that series, Middleton suffered a significant injury—a left knee MCL sprain that sidelined him for the rest of the postseason. The Bucks, who had won the championship just a year prior, eventually lost to the Boston Celtics in a hard-fought Eastern Conference Finals that went to seven games.

The aftermath of the knee injury lingered into the following season. Middleton struggled to regain his form throughout the 2022-2023 season, managing to play in only 33 games, with just 19 starts. His numbers, which once ranked among the best in the league, took a notable dip, averaging 15.1 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 4.9 assists per game—far below his All-Star standards. Worse still, his availability was sporadic, leaving the Bucks without one of their core players for a significant portion of the season.

Fast forward to the current offseason, Middleton underwent arthroscopic surgery on both his left and right ankles, a move intended to resolve lingering issues that plagued him last year. Although there are reports of progress in his recovery, Middleton's absence from 5-on-5 drills signals that he might not be 100% by the start of the regular season.

The Bucks' Future Hinges on Middleton

Khris Middleton’s health has become an increasingly crucial factor in determining the Bucks’ championship hopes. Back in 2021, Middleton played a pivotal role in helping Milwaukee capture their first NBA title in 50 years. His playoff averages of 23.6 points, 7.6 rebounds, and 5.1 assists were instrumental in the Bucks’ success, including a memorable 40-point performance in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the Phoenix Suns.

However, since then, injuries have prevented Middleton from replicating that success. Last season, even before the ankle injuries, his production had already begun to decline. His regular season numbers fell to 15.1 points per game, and he posted only four games of 30 or more points—a far cry from his peak performance levels. Despite this, there is hope that a healthy Middleton can still approach his former All-Star caliber, particularly given his impressive showing in the playoffs last year, where he averaged 24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists with a true shooting percentage of 58.2%.

The Bucks, led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, are once again viewed as one of the top contenders for the NBA championship. Yet, Middleton’s availability will be crucial for them to make another deep postseason run. Milwaukee is relying heavily on Middleton’s recovery, and any setbacks could spell disaster for the team’s short-term and long-term future.

Aging Core: The Clock Is Ticking

The Bucks’ championship window might be closing faster than expected. While the addition of Damian Lillard in the offseason has injected fresh hope into the franchise, there are legitimate concerns about the age and health of Milwaukee's core players. Lillard, who is now 34, joins a group that includes Brook Lopez (36), Middleton (33), and Antetokounmpo (29). Of these four, only Antetokounmpo is still in his prime, while the others are entering the tail end of their careers.

With age comes increased injury risk, and Middleton’s recent ankle surgeries only heighten these concerns. Over the past three seasons, Middleton has played in just 101 regular-season games. If his body can’t hold up for a full season or a playoff run, the Bucks' chances of adding another championship banner could be slim.

Additionally, Middleton’s contract complicates things further. He has two years left on his current deal, worth $31 million this season and $33 million in the next (a player option). If Middleton’s play continues to decline and injuries persist, it is likely that he will opt into the final year of his contract, creating a significant financial burden for the Bucks. With Milwaukee already deep into the luxury tax, Middleton's performance may determine whether the team can maintain their current roster or be forced into a partial rebuild.

The Championship or Bust Dilemma

While Middleton's health is a central concern, it’s not the only one facing the Bucks. The team's championship window is firmly tied to Antetokounmpo’s future. Although Giannis recently signed a three-year extension with the team, his desire for continued contention remains paramount. In today’s NBA, even the most loyal superstars can demand trades when they feel a team’s competitive outlook is faltering.

Giannis has already hinted at his desire to stay with a contender, and if the Bucks can’t deliver another championship or at least a deep playoff run, there’s a real chance that Antetokounmpo could look for a new team in the near future. This puts immense pressure on the Bucks not just to win but to do so immediately. With aging veterans and a mounting injury history, the Bucks may find themselves on the wrong end of the competitive spectrum if they can’t stay healthy or live up to expectations.

Middleton’s Playoff Magic—A Glimmer of Hope?

Despite all the questions surrounding Middleton’s health, one encouraging sign is his ability to perform in high-stakes moments. In last season’s playoffs, Middleton showed glimpses of his former self, stepping up in critical games when both Giannis and Lillard were sidelined. His postseason averages—24.7 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 4.7 assists—prove that when healthy, he’s still capable of performing at a high level.

Middleton has a unique ability to deliver in clutch moments, particularly when Giannis is being heavily defended. His mid-range game and shot creation were pivotal to the Bucks’ championship run in 2021, and Milwaukee will need that same version of Middleton if they are to make another title push this year. However, whether his body can hold up over the course of a grueling 82-game season and the playoffs remains to be seen.

The Eastern Conference Landscape

Adding to the pressure is the increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. The Boston Celtics, fresh off a championship win and an offseason where they retained their core, remain a formidable force. Meanwhile, teams like the New York Knicks and Philadelphia 76ers have retooled their rosters, with the 76ers bringing in Paul George to bolster their title aspirations. Even the Cleveland Cavaliers, who didn’t make any major offseason moves, have retained their core, making them another potential roadblock for the Bucks.

The stakes for Milwaukee couldn’t be higher. Not only do they need Middleton to return to All-Star form, but they also need him to stay healthy throughout the season. If he can’t, the Bucks risk falling behind in an increasingly crowded field of contenders, which could have far-reaching consequences, including the potential departure of Giannis Antetokounmpo.

A Critical Season Ahead

The Bucks’ upcoming season is shaping up to be one of the most critical in recent franchise history. They are just three years removed from their championship victory, yet the team’s future feels more uncertain than ever. With Middleton’s health in question, an aging core, and the looming possibility of a superstar departure, Milwaukee finds itself at a crossroads.

For now, the Bucks can only wait and hope that Middleton’s recovery goes as planned. If he can return to form, Milwaukee has all the pieces in place to contend for another title. But if injuries continue to derail his performance, the Bucks might be staring down the prospect of a rebuild sooner rather than later.