Ronny Turiaf To Undergo Hip Surgery; Out Indefinitely

Ronny Turiaf, who has only appeared in two games this season, is set to undergo hip surgery in New York on Tuesday. Turiaf has been suffering from hip soreness since October and is one of several Wolves to miss large chunks of the season so far.

Minneapolis/St. Paul - The Minnesota Timberwolves today announced that center/forward Ronny Turiaf will undergo an arthroscopic procedure on his right hip. The operation will be performed this Tuesday by Dr. Bryan Kelly at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. A further update on Turiaf's status will be provided following Tuesday's procedure.

Turiaf has played in two games this season, totaling one rebound and two assists in just over 18 minutes of action. Turiaf spent the first five games of the season and the last 14 contests on the inactive list due to right hip soreness.

Although the Wolves are merely saying that Turiaf will be out indefinitely, speculation has it that he will be out for several months, and possibly the entire season. Given the short-handed roster, this doesn't come as good news.

Turiaf is in the final season of a two year contract he signed with the Wolves, and under the circumstances, it would not be surprising if the Wolves decided to waive him.  They already have an extra man on the roster thanks to an injury exception, and waiving Turiaf would allow them to either sign Jeff Adrien for the rest of the year or bring in someone else.

Even if Turiaf could theoretically return before the end of the season, continuing to spend a roster spot on him under the circumstances makes little sense. The Wolves need healthy bodies, and Turiaf isn't going to be that anytime soon.

The Wolves will owe him the remainder of his $1.5M salary for the year whether or not he's on the roster; at this point, it's a sunk cost.

He's been a terrific member of the Timberwolves--an upbeat, positive guy who has been a great presence for the team.

We wish him the best of luck in his recovery, and if his time as a Timberwolf is over, the best of luck in the future.