Middleton Moves to Bench Amid Injury Struggles
The Milwaukee Bucks have made a strategic decision to move Khris Middleton to the bench in response to ongoing injury concerns, a move confirmed by head coach Doc Rivers ahead of their game against the San Antonio Spurs. This decision follows Middleton's recent challenges with ankle tendinitis and a history of multiple surgeries.
A Career Plagued by Injuries
Khris Middleton's career has been marred by a series of injuries. This offseason, he underwent double ankle surgery, adding to his long list of previous surgeries on his left wrist and right knee. These persistent health issues have evidently hindered his performance and influence on the court, prompting the Bucks to re-evaluate his role on the team.
The decision to bench Middleton also comes after he was sidelined during the Bucks' triumph over the Toronto Raptors. His absence saw Taurean Prince filling the starting role, highlighting the team's efforts to adapt to Middleton's inconsistent availability.
Struggling to Find Form
Since his return to the starting lineup, Middleton's performance has been a mixed bag. The Bucks have posted a 3-4 record with him back in action, and the primary starting lineup has struggled, with a concerning minus-10.6 net rating over 31 minutes during this span. The expected chemistry between Middleton, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard has yet to materialize effectively, showing a minus-5.6 net rating across 96 minutes since Middleton's return. This contrasts sharply with last season’s positive net rating of plus-17.5 for the trio.
Managing Health and Performance
The Bucks face a delicate balancing act in managing Middleton's health while trying to maximize team performance. Doc Rivers has noted the inconsistencies in Middleton's physical capabilities, stating, "he's just not moving every night the way you like him to. One night, you see he's moving great, one night he's not." This inconsistency has likely contributed to the benching decision, as the team seeks to ensure Middleton's long-term health and efficacy.
Middleton himself has expressed his own standards for a successful season, emphasizing availability and durability. "Having a successful season out there is playing damn near 82 games... Anything below 70, 75 games, no, I do not consider that a successful season for me," Middleton has stated. This personal benchmark underscores the importance he places on contributing consistently to the team’s endeavors over the course of a grueling NBA season.
Looking Forward
As the Bucks continue their season, the focus will be on finding the right balance between Middleton's health and the team’s competitive aspirations. By moving him to the bench, the Bucks can carefully manage his minutes, potentially unlocking his and the team's full potential in a sustainable manner. The Bucks aim to have Middleton available and effective for as many games as possible, aligning with his own desires for a successful season. For now, fans and the organization alike remain hopeful that this strategic shift will benefit both Middleton and the team in the long run.