The Milwaukee Bucks shared some insight into guard Kevin Porter Jr.’s progress as he aims to return from a meniscus injury that has kept him out of seven of the team’s eight games this season.

On Nov. 5, they released a medical update that revealed Porter Jr.’s post-surgery plan regarding his ultimate return to the court.

“Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. underwent successful surgery on Nov. 3 to address the right knee meniscus injury suffered during his return-to-play training on Oct. 30,” the team said in its statement. “The procedure was performed by Dr. Tom Hackett at The Steadman Clinic in Vail, CO. Porter Jr. is expected to be sidelined for approximately four weeks. Further updates will be provided as necessary.”

This is bittersweet news for the Bucks, as with Porter Jr. out for another month, Milwaukee will be without one of their key contributors. However, on the flip side, the Bucks will certainly take a December return as opposed to a later timetable or no return at all. 

Porter Jr.'s NBA Journey 

This season marks year six in the NBA for Porter Jr., who has spent time on his fair share of teams to this point in his young career. He spent his rookie season with the Cleveland Cavaliers before ultimately being traded the next year to the Houston Rockets. 

In Houston, Porter Jr. was able to establish himself as one of the more solid guards in the league, averaging 16.6 points, 15.6 points and 19.2 points per game in 146 total games played for the Rockets. 

Following his stint in Houston, Porter Jr. was traded to and waived by the Oklahoma City Thunder, and was then ultimately signed by the Los Angeles Clippers in 2024. 

Then, midway through last season, in February, Porter Jr. ended up with the Bucks, pairing Milwaukee’s perennial all-star, Giannis Antetokounmpo, with a reliable guard amidst an eventful 2025 trade deadline for the franchise. Porter Jr. joined the team at the same time as Kyle Kuzma, as the Bucks said goodbye to one of the key pieces of their 2021 NBA Championship, Khris Middleton, in the trade with the Washington Wizards. 

In 30 games with the Bucks last season, Porter Jr. averaged 10.3 points per game. And in his lone game with Milwaukee this year, he scored 10 points. Now, per this new injury update, the Bucks will have to wait for an extended period for their starter to play again. 

Ryan Rollins Steps Up

What the Bucks can hang their hats on is that, in Porter Jr. 's absence, Milwaukee has seen production from his substitute in Ryan Rollins. 

Rollins, who, for the time being, has replaced Porter Jr. in the starting lineup, has put up 16.3 points per game so far this season and will look to continue his efforts as the Bucks adapt to playing without Porter Jr.