The Minnesota Timberwolves believe Anthony Edwards will be “good as new” after arthroscopic surgery on a lingering injury to his right knee, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said on Wednesday. Edwards is scheduled for the cleanup procedure on Thursday, after which the Timberwolves will have a clearer timetable for his return later this season, whether that takes weeks or months.
Connelly did not specify the diagnosis. Edwards was bothered by right knee pain last spring and was limited to a career-low 61 games last season. He then hyperextended his left knee in the first round of the playoffs, which caused a deep bone bruise and kept him out for two games.
Edwards Battled Through Pain Early
Edwards was seen grabbing his knee with a grimace at one point during the home opener on Sunday. Even after being listed as questionable to play on Monday, he scored 47 points in an overtime loss at Cleveland. His 133 points through four games set a franchise record, and he averaged 33.3 points across Minnesota’s first four games.
An MRI on Tuesday revealed new damage that had not been detected in previous scans, which were carried out before training camp and during the playoffs. Connelly said Edwards’s condition this summer did not warrant a procedure at that time.
“He wants to play tonight. He looked pretty good the other night, having the 47,” Connelly said before the Timberwolves hosted Golden State. “We’re just concerned about his long-term health. We want to make sure we’re putting him in the best position he can be so he can be the best version he’s going to be for a long time.”
Connelly added that Edwards, an intense competitor, consented to the surgery “kicking and screaming.” “He’s bummed, but Anthony is such a naturally positive and upbeat guy,” Connelly said. “He’s hit all his teammates quickly and said, ‘You guys got it,’ and we’ll roll from there.”
Timberwolves Plan to Fill the Scoring Void
Coach Chris Finch said the news was “a bit of a shock to everybody” before Wednesday’s game against Golden State. He nonetheless feels confident that his team has the depth and experience to navigate an extended stretch without the four-time All-Star.
“We’ll have to kind of fill that scoring void by committee,” Finch said. “Certainly, spreading more shots around the team, everybody likes that. Obviously they’ve got to go in to make up the point difference.”
Minnesota is already without guard Donte DiVincenzo, who started all 82 games last season before tearing his right Achilles tendon in the same playoff game against Denver in which Edwards hyperextended his left knee. The acquisition of point guard LaMelo Ball has remade the lineup and given the Timberwolves a fresh spark, moving Edwards back to his natural shooting guard position.
Backcourt depth is available, with Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. coming off the bench so far this season. One of them is likely to start in Edwards’s absence, and another backup, Bones Hyland, is expected to take on a larger role.
“We know he brings dynamic scoring, leadership. Tough to fill in his shoes, just from what he does on the floor for us. Nobody can be like Ant, but we’ve got players who can step in and just take over a game as well,” Hyland said. “Just play team basketball.”
Early-Season Injuries Mount Across the League
Edwards is one of several notable players sidelined early in the NBA season. Toronto’s Kawhi Leonard (knee) and Indiana’s Tyrese Haliburton (hamstring) are both expected to be out for multiple weeks. Oklahoma City’s Jalen Williams suffered a dislocated ankle and a broken leg, while his teammate Cason Wallace tore his labrum in the same game.
With Edwards out, opponents will have to adjust to a Timberwolves lineup without the explosive guard. Golden State coach Steve Kerr sympathised with him.
“I feel terrible for him. It’s just brutal for the league when all these superstar players who are so incredible to watch are injured and out,” Kerr said. “I hope he makes a quick comeback. I’m a huge fan of his. I want to see him back as soon as possible.”