Minnesota's Cassell undergoes hip surgery

MINNEAPOLIS, June 15 (UPI) -- All-Star point guard Sam Cassell had successful surgery on his left hip, the Minnesota Timberwolves announced Tuesday.

Cassell averaged a career-high 19.8 points and 7.3 assists during the regular season, leading the Timberwolves to the best record in the NBA Western Conference.

The 34-year-old Cassell struggled in the playoffs as he contended with injuries to his hip and back. He did not play in the final two games of the conference finals as Minnesota lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

Cassell was an All-Star for the first time in his 11-year career this season. He was named to the All-NBA Second Team.