As the Milwaukee Bucks prepare to start their 2023-24 NBA season, they will do so without one of their most important players, Khris Middleton. Sources tell ESPN that Middleton is expected to miss Wednesday’s season opener against the Philadelphia 76ers as he continues to recover from offseason ankle surgeries. The Bucks are being cautious with Middleton’s recovery, ensuring that he is fully ready to contribute for the long haul rather than rushing him back for the beginning of the season.
This decision, while a disappointment for fans eager to see Milwaukee’s full roster in action, reflects a thoughtful approach from the Bucks’ management and medical staff. Ensuring Middleton’s health and readiness for a full season is crucial for a team with championship aspirations, and taking the time to bring him back slowly could pay off significantly as the season progresses.
Khris Middleton’s role in the Bucks’ recent success cannot be overstated. A three-time All-Star and a critical part of Milwaukee’s 2021 championship team, Middleton has been a consistent scoring threat, clutch performer, and solid defender throughout his time with the Bucks. His ability to create his own shot, knock down three-pointers, and serve as a secondary playmaker alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo has made him indispensable in Milwaukee’s system.
Missing Middleton for the season opener means the Bucks will need to adapt their game plan to account for his absence. Against a team like the Philadelphia 76ers, who boast star power with Joel Embiid and a strong supporting cast, the Bucks will need others to step up in Middleton’s absence. This could mean more offensive responsibility for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, who recently joined the Bucks and will be making his debut in front of Milwaukee fans. Lillard, in particular, is expected to play a significant role in carrying the scoring load until Middleton’s return, showcasing the dynamic offensive potential that the Bucks hope to unleash this season.
The absence of Middleton could also open the door for players like Pat Connaughton, Malik Beasley, or MarJon Beauchamp to take on expanded roles, especially on the wing. While these players do not bring the same level of experience or scoring ability as Middleton, they provide depth and could prove crucial in helping the Bucks manage through the early part of the season.
The decision to keep Middleton out of the season opener reflects the Bucks’ long-term approach to his health. Following multiple ankle surgeries in the offseason, the priority is ensuring that he returns to the court fully healthy and without the risk of re-injury. For a player like Middleton, who has dealt with injury setbacks in recent seasons—including a knee issue that limited his availability during the 2022-23 campaign—the focus is on regaining full strength and conditioning before returning to game action.
This cautious progression is especially important given the physical demands of an NBA season. The Bucks are aware that while the early games are important, the ultimate goal is to compete for an NBA championship, and that requires having their core players at full strength during the playoffs. Rushing Middleton back too soon could jeopardize his availability later in the season, making a deliberate and measured approach the wiser course of action.
Head coach Adrian Griffin, in his first season with the Bucks, has emphasized the need for patience with Middleton’s recovery. The team’s approach underscores a broader commitment to preserving the health of their stars, recognizing that a deep playoff run hinges on the availability of players like Middleton, Antetokounmpo, and Lillard when the games matter most.
While the absence of Khris Middleton is a setback, the Bucks have made strategic moves in the offseason to bolster their roster and ensure that they have the depth needed to remain competitive. The acquisition of Damian Lillard has transformed the team’s offensive potential, giving Milwaukee another elite scorer who can shoulder a heavy offensive load. Lillard’s presence alongside Antetokounmpo creates a formidable duo that can keep the Bucks in contention even without Middleton on the floor.
In addition to Lillard, the Bucks will lean on players like Brook Lopez, a defensive anchor and reliable three-point shooter, and Bobby Portis, whose energy and versatility have made him a fan favorite in Milwaukee. The team’s depth will be particularly important in matchups like the one against the 76ers, where maintaining offensive pressure and defensive intensity will be crucial to securing a win.
Milwaukee’s roster is constructed with the flexibility to adapt to different situations, and the coaching staff will have the opportunity to experiment with lineups and rotations during Middleton’s absence. This period could also serve as a valuable opportunity for the Bucks to find new combinations that can contribute later in the season when Middleton is back to full strength.
While missing Khris Middleton in the season opener is not ideal, the Bucks’ decision to prioritize his full recovery is a move that underscores their championship ambitions. With Middleton out, the team’s depth and the newly formed duo of Antetokounmpo and Lillard will be put to the test early, giving them the chance to build chemistry and find a rhythm that can carry them through the regular season and beyond.
The Bucks understand that the NBA season is a marathon, not a sprint. Ensuring that Middleton returns fully healthy means that when he does step back onto the court, he can contribute at the high level that has made him such an integral part of Milwaukee’s success. For a team with eyes on the ultimate prize, every decision is made with a view towards achieving the goal of raising another championship banner in Milwaukee.
In the meantime, Bucks fans will have to wait a little longer to see Middleton back in action, but they can take comfort in knowing that the team’s approach is geared towards sustained success. As the season unfolds, Milwaukee hopes that a patient and methodical approach to Middleton’s recovery will pay dividends, allowing the team to be at full strength when the stakes are at their highest. With a balanced roster and a clear strategy, the Bucks are positioning themselves as contenders once again, ready to compete at the highest level once their stars are fully aligned on the court.