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Bucks Starter To Undergo Knee Surgery

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Quenton S Albertie | Last updated Oct 31, 2025 11:09 PM ET

After injuring his meniscus, Kevin Porter Jr. will undergo “a minor orthopedic procedure that will sideline him for approximately four weeks,” the Milwaukee Bucks announce.

Bucks’ Kevin Porter Jr. To Undergo Surgery Following Knee Injury

Entering the season as the team’s starting point guard due to their decision to waive-and-stretch Damian Lillard this offseason, Porter had got off to a roaring start in the 2025-26 opener against the Washington Wizards. In nine first quarter minutes, he was able to score 10 points, adding two assists for good measure. A sprained left ankle then forced him out of the remainder of the game.

Though Porter was left without a firm timetable for his return, the injury was seemingly relatively minor, as he had already begun his on-court return-to-play training when he hurt his right knee. In fact, that’s when he sustained his meniscus injury.

Medical Update: Kevin Porter Jr. sustained a right knee meniscus injury during his on-court return-to-play training yesterday.

The injury will require a minor orthopedic procedure that will sideline him for approximately four weeks. Further updates will be provided as necessary.

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 1, 2025

With Porter out, the Bucks promoted 23-year-old Ryan Rollins to the first unit.

Ryan Rollins Keeps The Beat Going

Despite low expectations, Rollins had played decently for the Bucks in 2024-25.

Oct 30, 2025; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks guard Ryan Rollins (13) takes a shot against Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) in the 4th quarter at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images

This season, he’s just been plain good.

Across five games, averaging 18.6 points and 5.0 assists per contest on .524-.444.-882 shooting splits. He’s also averaging 2.4 steals per contest and is tied with a pair of defensive standouts –teammate Myles Turner and Portland Trail Blazers forward Toumani Camara — with .126 defensive win shares. He was instrumental in Milwaukee’s win over the Golden State Warriors in his latest performance, tallying 32 points on 13-21 shooting.

All of that is to say, while Porter recovers, the Bucks might not miss a beat. They’re not necessarily in safe hands with Rollins, as his previous career-highs were 6.2 points and 1.9 assists per game. Those numbers are negligible in a general sense. Compared to Porter, who averaged 19.2 points and 5.7 assists per game in 2022-23, they were next to nothing.

Even so, Rollins looks like he’s finally come into his own. He has the physical tools and guard skills necessary to excel offensively. He’s a menace defensively, not only because of his anticipation but his willingness to contest. If he’s still playing at or near this level when Porter does return, he might hold onto the job as the starting point guard.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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