MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- The Minnesota Timberwolves, who have had a plethora of injuries, likely will be without swingman Felipe Lopez for the 2002-03 season.
An MRI Monday revealed that Lopez has both a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee. He suffered the injury when he charged into Boston's Paul Pierce and twisted the knee awkwardly in the first quarter of an exhibition game on Saturday.
"It's a shame because we've been able to play him at a lot of different positions," said Minnesota Coach Flip Saunders. "He's averaging almost 10 free throws a game, he's played extremely well, we've been able to play him at a lot of different positions. "(Injuries) are always bad, but especially if someone is on the last year on his contract. He has worked as hard as ever over the course of the summer to put himself in the position to take that big step, then something (like this) happens."
Lopez, a four-year veteran out of St. Johns, fills in at shooting guard and small forward. He averaged 10.2 points per contest in his first four exhibition games. Veteran Kendall Gill, who does not have a guaranteed contract, likely will take over Lopez's role.
Lopez is the sixth Minnesota player sidelined with an injury.
Point guard Terrell Brandon is out indefinitely while rehabilitating his left knee, and forward Joe Smith has a sore groin. He probably will not be ready for the season opener on Oct. 30.
Starting shooting guard Wally Szczerbiak has missed the last three preseason games with a dislocated toe, and point guard Troy Hudson the last two with a sore groin. Reserve point guard Randy Livingston is out at least a week with a sprained left ankle suffered in Friday's game at Boston.
