Steve Aschburner of the Star Tribune reports that Timberwolves guard Terrell Brandon may miss the entire season due to setbacks following surgery on his left knee last February. Kevin McHale, the Wolves' vice president of basketball operations, said Friday: "It was 50-50 after the surgery, whether he'd be able to play again, and it's probably still 50-50."
The Wolves are not rushing the 32-year old Brandon and are prepared to play free agent acquisition Troy Hudson as the starting point guard when the regular season begins. "I'm more interested in having him (Brandon) in January than in October or November," McHale said.
Brandon experienced more pain after workouts last week, McHale said, and might not be able to test his leg in scrimmages for 10 days or more. McHale said Brandon would have to have at least a month of practice, with minimal pain, before participating in games.
Brandon underwent surgery on Feb. 21 to repair a cartilage fracture on the surface of his left femur and missed the Wolves' final 34 games. The 11-year veteran also had arthroscopic surgery to remove loose cartilage in that knee on Dec. 20, missing 16 games.
As for possible replacements, McHale said the Wolves have interest in veteran guard Rod Strickland. But Strickland apparently is seeking the $1.4 million exception, rather than the veteran's minimum salary of $1.03 million. He also might prefer to sign later rather than sooner, to miss training camp. Longer shots, as free agents or via trade, include veteran Mark Jackson, who was waived by Denver on Friday; Damon Stoudamire; Darrick Martin, and Mookie Blaylock.