Timberwolves Expect Anthony Edwards to Be 'Good as New' After Knee Surgery

The Minnesota Timberwolves expect star guard Anthony Edwards to be "good as new" after arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said Wednesday.

Edwards is scheduled to undergo the cleanup procedure Thursday. Once it is finished, the team expects to have a clearer picture of when he can return later this season, whether that turns out to be a matter of weeks or months.

Connelly did not name a specific diagnosis. Edwards dealt with right knee pain last spring and played a career-low 61 games last season. He later hyperextended his left knee in the first round of the playoffs, which caused a deep bone bruise and sidelined him for two games.

The issue resurfaced early this season. Edwards was seen grabbing his knee and grimacing during Sunday's home opener. Even though he was listed as questionable for Monday's game at Cleveland, he played and scored 47 points in an overtime loss. His 133 points through four games is a franchise record.

An MRI on Tuesday showed new damage that had not appeared in earlier scans, which were taken before training camp and during the playoffs. Connelly said Edwards' condition over the summer did not warrant a recommendation for surgery at that time.

"He wants to play tonight. He looked pretty good the other night, having the 47," Connelly said before Minnesota 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 said Edwards, a fierce competitor, agreed to the operation "kicking and screaming." He added that the guard has handled the news well. "He's bummed, but Anthony is such a naturally positive and upbeat guy," Connelly said. According to Connelly, Edwards quickly told his teammates, "You guys got it."

The Timberwolves are 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 hurt his left knee. The addition of point guard LaMelo Ball reshaped the lineup and gave the team a fresh spark, moving Edwards back to his natural shooting guard position.

Minnesota has plenty of backcourt depth. Ayo Dosunmu and Terrence Shannon Jr. have come off the bench so far this season, and one of them is likely to start while Edwards is out. Another reserve, Bones Hyland, is also expected to see a bigger 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."