THESE IS THE WORST NEWS WE COULD NEVER HOPE FOR: Milwauke Bucks basketball Point guard Kevin Porter Jr. stun fans and leaves head coach Doc Rivers speechless with major announcement concerning….

In a moment that shocked the entire NBA community and sent a wave of disbelief through the Milwaukee Bucks organization, point guard Kevin Porter Jr. made a powerful and deeply personal announcement this morning that left head coach Doc Rivers visibly shaken and fans heartbroken.

During what was initially scheduled as a routine media session following the Bucks’ summer training camp, Porter Jr. stepped to the podium and, with a heavy expression, delivered words that stunned everyone in attendance.

“Effective immediately, I am stepping away from professional basketball,” he began. “Not because I can’t play. But because I can’t ignore my truth any longer. There are battles I’ve fought for years behind closed doors — and I need to focus on healing.”

“This Ain’t About Stats”: Kevin Porter Jr.’s Emotional Confession

Porter Jr., just 24 years old, was seen as one of the most controversial yet electric talents in the NBA. After a rollercoaster start to his career, filled with flashes of brilliance and off-court challenges, his signing with the Milwaukee Bucks last offseason was viewed by many as a chance for redemption. Alongside All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton, Porter Jr. was expected to thrive in a structured, championship-minded system.

But as the season progressed, sources say Porter’s demeanor changed. He became more distant, less expressive, and often seemed disconnected during practices and press appearances.

In his speech, Porter addressed the emotional weight he’s carried over the years.

“People see us on the court and think that’s all there is to us. But for me, the pain started long before I ever stepped onto an NBA hardwood. I’ve been carrying trauma, anxiety, depression — things that fame and a paycheck can’t erase.”

He went on to say, “I’ve always tried to be strong, to play through it. But now I realize, that wasn’t strength — it was survival. I want to live, not just survive.”

Doc Rivers: “I Didn’t Expect This — At All”

Head coach Doc Rivers, who has mentored some of the league’s most polarizing and high-potential players over the past two decades, looked visibly emotional as he responded to the news.

“I’m shocked. I truly am,” Rivers said quietly. “Kevin had his ups and downs, we all know that. But I believed in him. Still do. I had no idea he was carrying that kind of weight.”

Rivers paused several times during his short media address, at one point saying:

“This job, this league — it’s not just about X’s and O’s. It’s about people. Real people. And sometimes we forget that.”

Teammates React: “This Hurts — But We Support Him”

Within minutes of the announcement, several Bucks teammates took to social media to show their support.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, known for his leadership and empathy, posted:

“Mental health is no joke. KP — you’ve got family here. Do what you need to heal. We love you, bro.”

Damian Lillard, who joined the Bucks two seasons ago and shared court time with Porter, tweeted:

“Respect to a man who chooses his life over the league. That’s bigger than basketball.”

The NBA Community Weighs In: A Wake-Up Call

Kevin Porter Jr.’s abrupt departure has sparked massive conversation throughout the NBA, with former and current players praising his bravery and calling for deeper league-wide investment in mental health resources.

DeMar DeRozan, a long-time advocate for mental health in professional sports, said on Instagram Live:

“This is what we’ve been talking about. Players need real support — not just media training and body coaches. KP is doing what many of us wish we had the courage to do.”

Former All-Star Paul George echoed the sentiment, tweeting:

“Salute to KPJ. The pressure we’re under ain’t normal. Taking care of your mind should never be seen as weakness.”

Why Now?

Porter explained that the decision to step away came after what he described as “a series of sleepless nights and breakdowns” that intensified following a recent preseason scrimmage.

“I’d go home and just sit in the dark. No appetite. No joy. Just numbness. I realized — if I didn’t step away now, I might not be here much longer. And that scared me.”

He confirmed that this is not a retirement, but an indefinite hiatus to prioritize therapy, family, and self-reflection.

“I’m not saying I’ll never return. I’m just saying I can’t keep pretending I’m okay. I owe it to myself to get right — as a man first, before anything else.”

Fan Reactions: “We Didn’t Know. We Should Have.”

For Bucks fans, the announcement came as a gut punch. Porter Jr. had become a fan favorite for his flashy crossovers, fearlessness, and raw emotion on the floor. But many admitted they missed the signs.

Posts flooded X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram with sentiments like:

“We just wanted him to score 20 and dish 10. We never stopped to ask if he was okay.”

“Kevin Porter Jr. deserved better — from the media, from fans, maybe even from the league.”

Some fans even launched a new hashtag: #KPJStrong, calling for more awareness and understanding toward athletes’ mental health.

What’s Next for the Bucks?

Basketball-wise, the Bucks now face the reality of reshuffling their backcourt rotation. While Malik Beasley and Andre Jackson Jr. will likely see increased minutes, sources say the front office is not rushing into a trade or signing, out of respect for Porter’s situation.

“We’re going to take this day by day,” said Bucks GM Jon Horst. “Basketball is secondary right now.”

Final Words: “Thank You — and I’m Sorry”

As he ended his emotional address, Porter left the room with a heartfelt message.

“To the fans, the organization, my teammates — thank you. And I’m sorry if I ever let y’all down. But this is about more than a game. This is about surviving to see tomorrow.”

As Kevin Porter Jr. exited the stage, there was a moment of total silence in the press room — the kind of quiet that hangs heavy when something truly monumental has occurred.