Redd hopes to return in February, says "any role" OK

Michael Redd, who is recovering from a second consecutive surgery for anterior cruciate and medial collateral ligament tears in his left knee, said he is making good progress and hopes to return to the Bucks in February. And he said he would accept "any role" at that time as he tries to make a comeback at age 31.

Redd is in the final year of his contract and making $18.3 million this season, the fifth-highest individual salary in the NBA.

It's unclear if he will ever play for the Bucks again, but he said he hopes to do so.

"I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now," Redd said. "I can really see myself playing again, feeling good again and getting explosive again.

"You kind of develop that confidence over your time in therapy. It's almost mental therapy as well."

Redd spoke with Bucks general manager John Hammond and a number of teammates as the Bucks practiced at the Schottenstein Center in Redd's hometown, on the campus of Ohio State University.

"I was sharing with the guys that for the first time in my career I've missed training camp, as far as enjoying training camp," he said. "But I'll be back in February. I'll be in Milwaukee for my annual Thanksgiving giveaway as well. But it's definitely good to see everybody."

Redd said he heard the criticism of him during last season's playoffs when he did not accompany the team for any of the games against Atlanta, either at the Bradley Center or in Atlanta.

"I was at home, rehabbing, getting my leg right," Redd said. "I had to handle my leg situation. At that moment that was more important for me.

"I was definitely here (in Columbus) supporting the team. After being with the team for 10 years, I wanted to see us win and at the same time wishing I was there. To be with the organization for a decade, you want to be part of every success that it sees. So that was frustrating a little bit to watch."

"I just know I want to come back and do my part, whatever it is," Redd said. "There's no doubt about it. My mind is to come back and to play and help this team out as much as I can when I get back.

"Any role, any role, just to play basketball and be a part. That's it. And that's been my mentality my whole tenure here. To do the best I can do."