WOLF081807

Madsen injured; out three months after surgery

Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen, injured in a personal watercraft accident on Monday, underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder pectoral muscle Friday, the team said in a statement.

Last update: August 17, 2007 - 5:42 PM

Timberwolves forward Mark Madsen, injured in a personal watercraft accident on Monday, underwent successful surgery on his right shoulder pectoral muscle Friday, the team said in a statement.

Madsen, entering his eighth NBA season and fifth with the Wolves, is expected to be sidelined for at least three months, meaning he won't be available until after the season begins in early November. The accident occurred on a Twin Cities-area lake.

The surgery was performed by team orthopedic surgeon David Fischer and Dr. Brad Nelson at the TRIA Orthopaedic Center in Bloomington.

"This was an unfortunate accident that I have put behind me," Madsen said in a statement issued by the team. "My focus now is to concentrate on my rehabilitation with the goal of returning to the basketball court as quickly as possible."

Kevin McHale, Wolves vice president of basketball operations, called the accident "an unfortunate situation."Mark is one of the most determined and hardest-working players in our league, and we expect him to make a full recovery," McHale said. "I look forward to him returning to the court and filling his role as one of the team's veteran leaders."

MARK WOLLEMANN