It’s a big year ahead for Milwaukee Bucks star Khris Middleton. 2022-23 was a totally forgettable season for the three-time All-Star, who was hampered by injury throughout the campaign. This resulted in Middleton suiting up just 33 times during the regular season for his team — a number that he will obviously want to improve on this year.
Will Milwaukee Bucks Star Khris Middleton Bounce Back This Season?
Steve Aschburner of NBA.com conjured up a list of the 12 biggest names in the league who are coming back from significant injuries this coming season. Middleton was part of the list along with the likes of Zion Williamson, LaMelo Ball, Ben Simmons, and the Los Angeles Clippers’ superstar duo of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.
However, Bucks fans won’t be too pleased with the analyst’s prediction for the 11-year veteran entering 2023-24:
“Middleton might be the Bucks player most in the spotlight this season. Teammates Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have the league buzzing in anticipation of their two-man game, but Middleton can be that third weapon who makes it all work. He might get the most open looks of his career if he can stay on the court. His history, age (32) and mileage argue against great resiliency,” Aschburner wrote.
There’s no doubt that Milwaukee’s new superstar pairing of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard will demand so much attention from opposing defenses. This should open the floor up more for Middleton, who as Aschburner noted, could be in line for the biggest season of his career in terms of the chances he will get.
In fact, more than a few folks will argue that Middleton will be the x-factor that will determine whether or not the Bucks will actually achieve their championship aspirations this year.
The harsh reality Middleton is facing, however, is that history does not appear to be on his side. As Aschburner pointed out, the two key factors to consider here are his age (he just turned 32 in August) and the fact that he is now entering Year 12.
Middleton is no spring chicken, and the fact that he’s nearing the twilight of his career could have had a lot to do with why he has missed so many games over the past couple of years. The former second-round pick is working extremely hard this summer to make sure that he enters the new season in the best shape of his life, but it remains to be seen if his 32-year-old body will respond accordingly.
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