When will Kevin Porter Jr Return?
Kevin Porter Jr. faced a tough stretch due to injuries in the 2025 NBA season. He started strong but then got hurt. In the season opener on October 22, he sprained his left ankle just minutes into the game. While rehabbing that injury, he later tore the meniscus in his right knee during a workout. This led to surgery on November 3. The Bucks expect him to be out for about four weeks, making an early December return likely.
Porter’s injuries forced him to miss most of the start of the season. Before the injuries, he only played about nine minutes in one game and scored ten points. That was brief, but it showed he could still bring energy and scoring to the Bucks’ lineup.
This left the Bucks scrambling a bit. Ryan Rollins and Cole Anthony stepped up in his absence to handle the guard duties. The team missed Porter’s ability to push the pace, score in transition, and defend aggressively. His absence during the first part of the season showed how much the Bucks depend on his skill set for their second unit on offense and defense.
Porter has faced injury troubles before, with a history of ankle issues and other minor injuries in past seasons. But this knee injury was more serious. The meniscus tear required surgery, which is a setback but not career-ending. Porter has been working hard on his rehab, doing drills and light practices. Coach Doc Rivers says Porter is progressing well and looks more confident on the court.
Porter Jr. himself has been open about how hard the rehab process is. He’s grateful to still be playing this season because many players with knee surgeries miss a whole year. He’s ready to get back to help the Bucks as soon as he gets medical clearance. The team values him as a reliable scorer and playmaker when Damian Lillard is off the floor.
The Bucks signed Porter to a two-year deal in the offseason, showing their belief in his talent despite past off-court issues. They hope to get him back to full strength soon. Right now, the focus is on healing, regaining strength, and avoiding any setbacks during recovery. Once he returns, he should provide a boost in offense, defense, and overall team energy.
Disclaimer:
Kevin Porter Jr.'s return date is based on the current recovery timeline, with his return expected around early December 2025. The timeline is subject to change depending on his progress and medical clearance.
