5 Pressing questions Bucks need to answer after the trade deadline

2. Can the Bucks trust Khris Middleton to stay healthy?

It has been a rough couple of years for the three-time All-Star. He played just 33 games last season but was healthy in the playoffs. The Bucks were limiting his minutes early this year after an offseason procedure. He has mostly sat in one-half of back-to-backs and is now dealing with an ankle injury.

Can Middleton stay healthy and play 35 minutes per game during a deep playoff run? He averaged 17.1 points, 5.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, and 1.0 steal in 30.5 minute each night this season from Dec. 7 to Feb. 3. That is his extended stretch of playing significant minutes this year.

Middleton’s defense and advanced metrics have declined significantly in 2024. The Bucks re-signed him to a three-year $93 million contract this offseason, but they did not expect his production to slip this far. Can Middleton ramp it up in the postseason? He is only 32 and should still have plenty left in the tank.

The Milwaukee Bucks need Khris Middleton to be a star if they want to win a championship. His scoring and defense must improve. Can the 6’7 wing do it, while staying healthy in the playoffs? It is a massive question only time will answer.