Kevin Porter Jr. was supposed to be the Milwaukee Bucks‘ starting point guard this season. He got nine minutes into that role before spraining his ankle, and a knee injury during rehab has kept him out since. Following surgery, he is finally nearing a return, which could coincide with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s own as he manages a left groin strain. For Porter, navigating the recovery process of his first career surgery hasn’t been easy. It’s all left him grateful just being able to get back to the routine of his training and daily life.
First two weeks of downtime “hardest” for Porter
Doc Rivers told team reporter Eric Nehm that Porter is looking a lot better in recent days, since retaking the floor for practice sessions. In Porter’s words, regaining stamina and familiarity with his normal abilities has been a challenge on its own.
“This is my first surgery ever. So two weeks ago, Monday, that was when I woke up and couldn’t walk, I was on crutches for the first time, so, of course, I’m human, my energy is going to be a little low,” Porter admitted. “But being back, being able to walk, being able to sleep regular, just live by my daily routines again is definitely uplifting.”
Oct 14, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard/forward Kevin Porter Jr. (7) drives the ball against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) during the first half at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images
Hearing Porter say that he is making progress in rehab is good news for Bucks fans. Given an initial time table of at least four weeks on the sidelines, Porter is an important source of shot creation on a team that needs it badly. Now, with Giannis out as well, Ryan Rollins is the only reliable source of both scoring and facilitating skills. Cole Anthony should in theory provide that off the bench, but he hasn’t been consistent and has defensive limitations.
Even with Giannis healthy, it’s a lot on Rollins’ plate. The Bucks could use Porter back to relieve some of that pressure and better balance the offense, reducing the stagnant iso possessions that have mounted recently even when Giannis plays.
Getting back to his normal routine is the first step for Porter as he looks to continue making strides in practice sessions on the basketball court.
“…being able to do my regular weights and my regular conditioning, like all those things, were building up factors that I had to wait and be patient the first two weeks and that was the hardest time,” he continued. “Now that I’m back in the office, I’m back on the court, I’m doing little things at a time, it’s just great.”
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