Bryon Russell isn't ready to accept career condolences just yet.

The veteran swingman, who is scheduled to have surgery on his sprained left knee next week and has a non-guaranteed $1.13 million contract with the Nuggets, sounded confident he could return after Denver beat the Milwaukee Bucks 118-115 on Wednesday in a preseason game at the Pepsi Center.

"I'm going to come back and help them win," said Russell, who averaged 4.4 points last season. "I know I can still play."

The Nuggets could still waive Russell, though they likely would have to pay him until he recovered, which could take a month or longer. General manager Kiki Vandeweghe said he would discuss Russell's future with him today or tomorrow.