Minnesota Timberwolves center Ronny Turiaf will miss the remainder of the season following hip surgery, the team announced on Tuesday.
The team said Turiaf, 30, had an “arthroscopic procedure” Tuesday morning on his right hip, conducted by Dr. Bryan Kelly in New York.
The news could bring about the end to an injury-riddled two seasons with the Wolves.
Turiaf appeared in just two games this season, totaling one rebound and two assists in just over 18 minutes. He also missed 51 games last season because of elbow and knee injuries.
According to the Star Tribune, Turiaf likely could be released at some point to allow the Wolves to make a roster move to try and help their injury-depleted lineup.
Ronny Turiaf had successful surgery, out for season, expect Wolves in time to release him so they can add player to roster. Blog forthcoming
— Jerry Zgoda (@JerryZgoda) December 16, 2014
“It doesn’t mean we’ll disassociate ourselves from him,” Saunders told the Tribune. “We’d do it just for the survival of everybody else.”
According to 1500 ESPN, Turiaf was able to help the Wolves last season when he was healthy. He averaged 4.8 points and 5.6 rebounds per game.
In addition to Turiaf, the Wolves are also without center Nikola Pekovic and guards Ricky Rubio and Kevin Martin for extended periods of time.
Gorgui Dieng will remain as the starting center for Minnesota. FOX Sports Net reports Dieng is playing an average of 27 minutes a game, nearly double his minutes from last season as a rookie.
Jeff Adrien and Robbie Hummel have also filled in at the center spot in the meantime.
