The positive Timberwolves off-season took a step backwards Wednesday (AEDT) as 2017 first-round pick Justin Patton underwent successful surgery to repair a broken fifth metatarsal in his left foot.
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The 7-foot Creighton product, who is expected to see time behind Karl Anthony-Towns this upcoming season, suffered the injury during a recent workout and will be sidelined indefinitely until healed, possibly until the start of preseason.
The Wolves acquired the draft rights to Patton (selected 16th overall), along with Jimmy Butler, from the Bulls in exchange for Zach LaVine, Kris Dunn and the draft rights to Lauri Markkanen, the 7th overall selection in this year's draft.
Patton played in 35 games last year, averaging 12.9 points and 6.2 rebounds en route to earning Big East Freshman of the Year honors. Patton led the Big East and ranked second nationally with a field goal percentage of 67.6 percent, which stands as the highest field goal percentage of any freshman from a major conference in NCAA history.